Bukele to IMF: Bitcoin Stays, No Matter the Pressure

Crypto News Regulation

El Salvador’s President Bukele to IMF: Bitcoin Stays, No Matter the Pressure

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: March 05, 2025

Key Takeaways

President Bukele rejects IMF demands to halt Bitcoin purchases, reaffirming El Salvador’s commitment to its crypto strategy;
El Salvador adds 1 BTC to its reserves, now holding 6,101 BTC ($510 million), despite IMF pressure to scale back Bitcoin policies;
Bitcoin supporters, including Michael Saylor, back President Bukele, insisting that Bitcoin adoption will continue despite global criticism.

Stop overpaying - start transferring money with Ogvio. Sign up, invite friends & grab Rewards now! 🎁

El Salvador’s President Bukele to IMF: Bitcoin Stays, No Matter the Pressure

BITDEGREE IN YOUR SOCIAL FEED

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has dismissed conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a $1.4 billion loan deal.

The IMF’s latest country report outlines strict requirements aimed at limiting the country’s Bitcoin BTC $92,373.26 policies, including a ban on further government purchases, the closure of the Fidebitcoin trust by July 2025, and the release of all government Bitcoin wallet addresses.

However, President Bukele made it clear that he had no intention of complying. In a March 5 post on X, he wrote, "'This all stops in April'. 'This all stops in June'. 'This all stops in December'. No, it's not stopping".

How to Pick the Right NFTs? (Animated DOs & DON'Ts)

Did you know?

Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?

Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office announced the addition of 1 BTC to its national reserves, bringing the total holdings to 6,101 BTC—valued at around $510 million, according to Arkham Intelligence. This latest purchase reinforces the country’s commitment to its Bitcoin policy, despite the IMF’s attempts to limit it.

While President Bukele’s approach has faced criticism, he continues to receive support from Bitcoin advocates. Strategy chairman Michael Saylor responded to Bukele’s post, "Bitcoin adoption is unstoppable".

President Bukele followed up with another statement:

If it didn't stop when the world ostracized us and most "Bitcoiners" abandoned us, it won’t stop now, and it won’t stop in the future. Proof of work > proof of whining.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to cryptocurrency by announcing plans for a government-held crypto reserve. What did he say? Read the full story.