Trump becomes first US President to complete Bitcoin transaction at NYC bar

Former President Donald Trump made headlines Wednesday when he became the first U.S. president to complete a transaction using Bitcoin at a New York City bar. The historic moment occurred at PubKey, a Manhattan bar and restaurant known for accepting cryptocurrency, ahead of a campaign rally on Long Island.

Trump, 78, paid for burgers and beers with the cryptocurrency, much to the delight of the bar’s patrons. “I just made the first transaction in Bitcoin,” Trump declared, receiving cheers from the crypto-enthusiastic crowd. A PubKey employee assisted the former president with the transaction, which he completed using a cellphone and tablet provided by the bar.

The payment, according to Trump, was “very easy.” One patron even cheered, “Make Bitcoin great again!” as the transaction was finalized.

PubKey, which is located near New York University, hailed the event as “one of the most historic transactions in #bitcoin history” in a social media post following Trump’s visit.

The price of Bitcoin has surged over 500% in the last five years, with the current price for one Bitcoin at $61,248.50. Trump’s appearance at PubKey comes amid his increased promotion of cryptocurrency, a key element of his recent campaign activities.

Earlier this week, Trump promoted World Liberty Financial, a new cryptocurrency venture co-founded by his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, alongside businessman Steve Witkoff. During an event on X Spaces, Trump credited his sons, including 18-year-old Barron Trump, for pushing him to embrace cryptocurrency.

“He talks about his wallet — He’s got four wallets or something,” Trump said about Barron, adding, “And I’m saying, ‘What is a wallet? Explain this to me.’”

In July, Trump addressed the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, pledging to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the world” if re-elected. He also promised to end what he described as President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ “war on crypto,” vowing to remove Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler, who has overseen regulatory crackdowns on digital currencies.

The Trump campaign began accepting cryptocurrency donations in May, with Trump referring to himself as a “crypto candidate.”

Wednesday’s appearance at PubKey saw Trump greeted by mixed reactions. Upon arrival, he was met with boos and cries of “loser,” but the mood shifted when he entered the bar, where self-proclaimed Bitcoin enthusiasts and Trump supporters welcomed him with applause.

“Who wants a burger?” Trump asked the crowd, before spending $998.70 on a round of burgers for the patrons. He used the Strike app, which operates on the Lightning Network, to complete the transaction, and the bar used Zaprite to receive the payment in Bitcoin. The Diet Cokes, however, were on the house.

“Bitcoin is really happening,” Trump said, signaling his commitment to integrating cryptocurrency into everyday transactions.

PubKey co-founder Thomas Pacchia called Trump’s presence at the bar “huge” and “iconic,” noting the impact of such a high-profile figure endorsing Bitcoin. “A former president, a potential future president, this is a real coming of age for the Bitcoin community,” Pacchia said.

This event marked the first time a former president has reportedly used Bitcoin to purchase goods or services.

Some supporters, like Matt Kita, a 40-year-old PubKey regular from outside Philadelphia, believe Trump’s pro-Bitcoin stance could sway voters. “I do think there will be people here who will be swayed by one, a pro-Bitcoin stance, but the secondary effect is that more innovative approach to regulation,” Kita said.

However, not everyone shared the excitement. Trump was met by protesters outside the bar, holding signs reading “LIAR” and “CONVICTED OF FRAUD,” while songs by pop star Taylor Swift, a vocal critic of Trump, played from speakers.

Jay Walker, a member of the activist group Rise and Resist, explained that the group mobilized quickly after learning of Trump’s visit to PubKey. “Whenever Trump comes into the city, we try to come and ensure that we are the welcoming committee,” Walker said.