Tucker Carlson engages in a conversation with Nayib Bukele delving into the subject of cryptocurrency
Tucker Carlson’s interviews are known for shedding light on various topics, carefully selecting guests who align with his perspective. Tucker Carlson himself has gained a reputation as a divisive right-wing pundit. Since leaving Fox News, he has conducted cozy interviews with autocrats like Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban. Now, another controversial figure has joined this list: Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador.
Bukele gained recognition in the crypto community when El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021. However, the adoption of Bitcoin in the country has faced challenges. According to the University of Central America’s Public Opinion Institute, only 12% of Salvadorans actually carried out Bitcoin transactions last year. The adoption rate for remittances, which involves foreign workers sending money back to their families, is even lower at 1%.
Despite Bukele’s grand plans, such as creating “Bitcoin City” at the base of a volcano, these projects have yet to materialize. However, one positive aspect of Bukele’s bet on Bitcoin is the increase in El Salvador’s BTC holdings. According to NayibTracker.com, the country now owns 5,777 BTC worth $379.9 million, with paper profits of $69 million.
In the early days of Bukele’s experiment, Bitcoiners were excited when he announced significant BTC purchases, reminiscent of Michael Saylor’s approach. However, these announcements dwindled after the cryptocurrency market experienced a sharp decline, with BTC dropping from $69,000 to $20,000 in just nine months.
In November of that year, Bukele adopted a more subtle crypto strategy. Instead of making flashy announcements, he declared that El Salvador would purchase one Bitcoin every day. Records from the wallet’s address indicate that Bukele has stuck to this strategy, incrementally increasing the balance by 1 BTC daily.
However, during Bukele’s interview with Tucker Carlson, the topic of cryptocurrency was completely absent. Instead, the discussion revolved around themes such as Bukele’s mission to save El Salvador, his three-point economic plan, and the decline of Western civilization.
Carlson’s interviews typically focus on generating insight rather than controversy, with carefully selected guests who share his worldview. During the interview, Bukele was given the opportunity to reiterate claims made by Salvadoran security officials regarding the decline in the homicide rate compared to the United States. However, independent observers have questioned these figures, suggesting that violent deaths in the country are highly underreported.
Bukele also implemented a state of emergency to combat gangs and reduce crime, a policy that has received praise from the population. However, there are allegations that many of the 76,000 arrests were made without sufficient evidence, and Amnesty International has documented instances of torture and abuse against prisoners. These issues were not addressed in the interview.
Additionally, Carlson described Bukele as the most popular elected leader in the world, but this statement does not provide the full context. Bukele’s potential third term as president has raised concerns, as El Salvador’s constitution previously limited presidents to one consecutive term. However, judges in the country’s top court were dismissed, and newly appointed justices allowed Bukele to run again, leading to his landslide victory.
Overall, the hour-long interview lacked nuance and challenging questions, instead offering high praise for Bukele’s leadership. However, it is important to consider the bigger picture, as opposition politicians and ordinary Salvadorans would attest. Bukele’s passion for Bitcoin may garner admiration in the crypto world, but it is just one aspect of his leadership in a country where 27% of the population lives in poverty.
In both politics and the crypto sphere, it is crucial to take a step back and consider the broader context rather than focusing solely on one aspect.
