Donald Trump visited PubKey, a Bitcoin-themed bar in New York City, and engaged in a Bitcoin transaction that staff described as the first by a US president.
As reported by Fox News, the video shows Trump being ushered to a payment station and handed a smartphone upon entering the bar. The phone displayed the Strike app, and he attempted to scan a QR code on the bar’s point-of-sale tablet. When the initial scan did not work, an employee assisted by scanning the code himself. Upon confirmation of the transaction, cheers erupted from the patrons.
“It’s history, history in the making,” Trump said, although it appears to have been the employee who completed the successful scan from the video footage. He proceeded to sign Bitcoin memorabilia and a “Make Bitcoin Great Again” hat, engaging with the crowd of Bitcoin enthusiasts.
Expressing confidence in his electoral prospects, Trump stated he believes he will win New York, despite Polymarket placing his chances at 3% as of press time. He praised PubKey as a “great place” and mentioned he made “the first transaction in Bitcoin.” While PubKey has accepted Bitcoin since its launch in 2022, it remains unclear whether Trump was aware that the transaction was not the first ever but potentially the first involving a former president.
Addressing the audience, Trump said,
“Everybody that’s a crypto guy, a crypto maniac as I call them… whether it’s Bitcoin but crypto, get out and vote because if you vote, we cannot lose. We want to get everybody who agrees with you people and what you’re doing, and there’s a lot of people; they’ve been treating you very badly with the SEC, but we’re going to treat you very fairly.”
His remarks alluded to regulatory challenges faced by the crypto industry, particularly actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
He noted the ease and speed of transacting in Bitcoin, stating it was “very easy and went through very quickly.” Trump also commended David Bailey of Bitcoin Magazine for “doing a good job” and “getting this whole thing started.”
In response to being thanked for his visit, Trump described the experience as “a new era.” Before departing for his rally in New York, he handed out burgers to those present, further engaging with attendees.
PubKey, located in Greenwich Village, has become a hub for Bitcoiners. Known for its Bitcoin-themed decor and acceptance of Bitcoin payments, the bar has been operating since 2022 and frequently hosts events related to the Bitcoin community. It features Bitcoin-centric elements, including a “shrine” dedicated to the digital asset, making it a focal point for discussions and gatherings among Bitcoin supporters.
Trump’s engagement with Bitcoin at PubKey marks a notable moment as he continues to court Bitcoiners for the upcoming election. His participation in a Bitcoin transaction and supportive comments emphasize the shift in his stance and a strategic move to appeal to the crypto community ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Trump’s promise to “treat you very fairly” resonates with crypto advocates seeking regulatory clarity and favorable policies.
Although many are reporting the incident as though Trump himself completed the transaction and bought burgers from his wallet, a former president engaging in a Bitcoin transaction at a public venue is likely to contribute to increased visibility and acceptance of digital assets. It reflects the broader trend of Bitcoin entering public discourse and becoming part of political conversations.
