El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has signaled he is open to meeting President Donald Trump at the White House, fueling talk about deeper ties between the two leaders—especially around Bitcoin. While no official plans have been announced, such a visit would make Bukele the first Western Hemisphere leader to meet Trump at the White House during his current term.
On March 28, Bukele responded to reports that Trump might invite him to Washington, saying he’d be willing to go and even joked on social media about bringing “several cans of Diet Coke”—a playful reference to Trump’s favorite drink. The two have maintained friendly relations since Trump returned to office. Trump publicly thanked Bukele earlier this year for his support on US border matters, noting Bukele’s “understanding of this horrible situation.”
The potential meeting follows El Salvador’s decision to take in deported Venezuelan gang members from the US. These individuals are being held in the country’s high-security Terrorism Confinement Center, a facility recently visited by US Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem.
Bukele’s strong crackdown on gangs has gained both praise and criticism internationally. His approach has helped shift El Salvador from one of the most violent countries in the world to one of the safest in Latin America.
At the same time, speculation is growing that Bitcoin could play a central role in any future talks between the two presidents. Both Bukele and Trump have become known for their support of Bitcoin, though their strategies differ. Bukele has taken a bold and early lead, while Trump has more recently changed his view on the cryptocurrency.
In 2021, Bukele led El Salvador to establish the world’s first national Bitcoin reserve. That reserve now totals 6,130.18 BTC, valued at over $512 million. His government has also attracted attention from major crypto firms like Tether and pulled in global investment thanks to its crypto-friendly environment.
Trump, once skeptical of Bitcoin, has recently embraced it. Earlier this month, he approved the formation of a US National Bitcoin Reserve. The federal government now reportedly holds around 200,000 BTC, signaling a new approach to crypto policy under his leadership.
A meeting between Bukele and Trump would likely reflect not just political friendship but also a shared vision for Bitcoin’s role in national economic strategy. With both leaders actively promoting crypto at the state level, this potential summit could highlight a growing alignment in digital currency policy between the US and El Salvador.
