Tucker Carlson interviews Nayib Bukele. Did they talk crypto?

As a crypto investor with some experience in the market, I’ve learned that it’s essential to approach news and developments with a critical eye. Tucker Carlson’s interview with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele was a missed opportunity for in-depth discussion about Bitcoin and its impact on El Salvador. Instead, we heard mostly praises for Bukele’s leadership and his economic plans.


In simpler terms, Tucker Carlson’s interviews often provoke thought rather than heated debates, as he selects guests whose perspectives match his own.

Tucker Carlson has established himself as one of the world’s most divisive right-wing pundits.

After departing from Fox News unexpectedly, he has conducted friendly chats with several prominent authoritarians, including Vladimir Putin from Russia and Viktor Orban of Hungary.

Another now joins the list: El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.

Bukele, the leader of his Central American country, has gained praise within cryptocurrency communities due to our nation’s groundbreaking decision to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender back in September 2021. However, this innovative move hasn’t been without its ups and downs.

Based on data from the University of Central America’s Public Opinion Institute, only about 12% of Salvadorans engaged in Bitcoin transactions last year. The usage rate for Bitcoin in the context of remittances, which involve foreign workers sending money back home to their families, is even more limited at roughly 1%.

Despite President Bukele’s grand announcement of building “Bitcoin City” at the foot of a volcano during the 2021 Bitcoin bull market’s height, this crypto-driven city has yet to come into existence.

One positive outcome from the president’s bold wager has been El Salvador’s Bitcoin stash experiencing a significant surge in value. As per NayibTracker.com, the nation now holds 5,777 Bitcoins valued at approximately $379.9 million, representing paper profits of around $69 million.

Tucker Carlson interviews Nayib Bukele. Did they talk crypto?

In the initial stages of Bukele’s Bitcoin venture, Bitcoin enthusiasts were captivated as he publicly declared large-scale purchases of Bitcoin, reminiscent of Michael Saylor’s style.

Starting around July 2022, the number of cryptocurrency announcements decreased significantly after financial markets experienced a downturn. Bitcoin, for instance, plummeted from a high of $69,000 to $20,000 in a mere nine months, causing quite a jolt.

In November of that year, I adopted a subtler approach to cryptocurrency investments for the presidency. Rather than making grandiose announcements, I decided we would purchase one Bitcoin each day.

The transaction history of Bukele’s digital wallet reveals that he has consistently implemented this approach, resulting in a daily increase of approximately 1 Bitcoin in his balance up until the present.

Tucker Carlson interviews Nayib Bukele. Did they talk crypto?

For supporters of Bukele anticipating an extensive Bitcoin discussion during his interview with Tucker Carlson, they were unfortunately let down as the topic went unaddressed entirely.

The central topics in our conversation were labeled as “Nigel Bukele’s quest to rescue El Salvador,” “Bukele’s proposed three-pronged economic strategy,” and “The question of whether Western civilization is on its last legs.”

As a researcher studying media discourse, I’ve observed that during his interviews, Carlson tends to elicit thoughtful responses rather than heated debates. His guest selection process is guided by their alignment with his perspective.

Nielsen handed Bukele an opportunity to restate assertions made by Salvadoran law enforcement regarding the significant decrease in the country’s homicide rate, which currently stands at approximately 2.4 cases per 100,000 residents – a figure that falls beneath the U.S. average.

As a data analyst, I’ve come across some concerns regarding the reported figures on violent deaths in the country. Based on observations from independent sources, there’s a strong belief that these numbers might not be entirely truthful. The rationale behind this skepticism is that there are indications of underreporting when it comes to violent deaths.

As an analyst, I would rephrase it this way: I, as an analyst, would express it as follows: In response to rampant street crime and gang violence, Bukele implemented a state of emergency. This measure has gained widespread approval from the populace due to its effectiveness.

Despite the claims of over 76,000 arrests, allegations persist that many of these detentions were based on flimsy evidence. A thorough investigation by Amnesty International revealed shocking findings, including the widespread use of torture and other forms of abuse against prisoners – a concerning detail omitted from the interview.

Carlson praised Bukele as the “most popular elected leader globally,” yet this statement doesn’t provide a complete picture.

El Salvador’s constitution previously stipulated that presidents could only serve one consecutive term. However, the country’s highest court judges were dismissed, and new justices took their place. These new justices subsequently ruled that Nayib Bukele was eligible to run for re-election. Bukele went on to secure a landslide victory in the elections. He has already indicated his intention to seek a third term in office.

As a crypto investor who listened to the hour-long interview, I can’t help but feel that the conversation was more about praises than asking tough questions regarding El Salvador’s President Bukele’s leadership. However, it is essential to remember that there are other perspectives worth considering. Opposition politicians and everyday Salvadorans have their own narratives and concerns that add depth to the bigger picture.

From a crypto analysis perspective, I can understand why many are drawn to Bukele’s charisma and Bitcoin advocacy. Labeling him as “the world’s coolest dictator” is a bold statement, yet it reflects the unique allure of his persona in this digital asset sphere.

As an analyst, I would put it this way: I’ve noticed that while Bukele’s approach to leading El Salvador is multifaceted, it’s essential to acknowledge that over a quarter of its populace resides below the poverty line. This aspect, though just one piece of the complex puzzle that is Bukele’s leadership, significantly influences the socio-economic landscape of the country.

As a Bitcoin enthusiast would advise, taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture is crucial when concerned about a sudden price decrease.

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2024-06-11 17:15