Former US president Donald Trump made headlines when he visited PubKey, a Bitcoin-themed bar in New York City, and engaged in what staff described as the first Bitcoin transaction ever by a US president. The event was captured on video by Fox News, showing Trump attempting to scan a QR code on the bar’s point-of-sale tablet using the Strike app on a smartphone he was handed upon entry. After some initial difficulties, an employee assisted him in completing the transaction, which was met with cheers from the patrons.
During his visit, Trump expressed his confidence in winning New York in the upcoming election, despite low odds according to Polymarket. He praised PubKey as a “great place” and claimed to have made the first Bitcoin transaction, although the bar has been accepting Bitcoin since 2022. Trump encouraged crypto enthusiasts to vote and expressed support for the crypto community in light of regulatory challenges faced by the industry. He commended the ease and speed of transacting in Bitcoin and acknowledged the work of David Bailey from Bitcoin Magazine.
This interaction between Trump and the Bitcoin community at PubKey is significant as he continues to court Bitcoiners for the upcoming election. His participation in the transaction and positive comments signal a shift in his stance towards digital assets and a strategic move to appeal to the crypto community. Trump’s promise to treat crypto advocates fairly resonates with those seeking regulatory clarity and supportive policies for the industry. The event at PubKey highlights the increasing visibility of Bitcoin in public discourse and its intersection with political conversations.
Located in Greenwich Village, PubKey has established itself as a hub for Bitcoin enthusiasts, known for its Bitcoin-themed decor and acceptance of Bitcoin payments. The bar has been operating since 2022 and regularly hosts events related to the Bitcoin community, making it a popular meeting spot for discussions and gatherings among Bitcoin supporters. Trump’s visit to PubKey and engagement with Bitcoin further solidify its reputation as a focal point for the crypto community.
Despite reports implying that Trump himself completed the transaction and bought burgers using his own wallet, the significance of a former president engaging in a Bitcoin transaction at a public venue cannot be understated. The event serves to increase the visibility and acceptance of digital assets, contributing to the broader trend of Bitcoin entering public discourse and being part of political conversations. Trump’s visit to PubKey represents a unique moment in the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency and underscores the growing influence of digital assets in mainstream society.
