Donald Trump made a move to connect with the digital currency community on Wednesday by treating his supporters to burgers at a bar in New York and paying with Bitcoin. When Trump arrived at PubKey, a Bitcoin-themed bar near New York University, he was greeted by boos and shouts of “loser.” However, once inside the dim bar, he was met with cheers from a mix of Bitcoin fans and Trump supporters.
“Who wants a burger?” Trump asked, as he continues to appeal to crypto enthusiasts for votes, donations, and support for a new project called World Liberty Financial, which he and his sons are promoting.
Trump spent $998.70 on a few dozen burgers, according to Drew Armstrong, co-founder of PubKey. He paid for the food using a payments app called Strike, which works on the Lightning Network. The bar received the Bitcoin through an app called Zaprite. The Diet Cokes were free.
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Former President Promises Pro-Bitcoin Policies for 2024
During a stop on his way to a rally in Long Island, Trump made another effort to gain support from cryptocurrency holders, a group that has seen more mainstream acceptance this year despite a history of scams and scandals. In July, Trump gave a speech at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, where he promised to appoint crypto-friendly regulators and create a national Bitcoin reserve if re-elected. On Monday, he headlined a live-stream on the X social media app to introduce World Liberty Financial, a new crypto project aiming to compete with traditional banks.
“This is a big moment for the Bitcoin community,” said Pacchia, who runs PubKey, a bar that often holds events to educate people about Bitcoin and has a Bitcoin “shrine.” He believes Trump’s transaction at the bar may be the first time a former president used Bitcoin to buy something.
Matt Kita, a regular at the bar, said Trump’s appearance could give the industry more legitimacy and attract voters. “Some people here will be swayed by his pro-Bitcoin stance and his approach to encouraging innovation,” he said.
However, not everyone was happy to see Trump. A group of protesters, holding signs like “LIAR” and “CONVICTED OF FRAUD,” greeted him outside the bar while blasting Taylor Swift songs. Jay Walker, part of the protest group Rise and Resist, said his group spread the word when they found out Trump would be there. “Whenever Trump comes to the city, we try to make sure we’re there to welcome him,” he said.
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