US President Donald Trump hosted El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele at the White House on April 14, with talks centered on trade and immigration, excluding Bitcoin from the public agenda.

On April 14, 2023, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele at the White House for their first official meeting during Trump's second term. The discussions primarily revolved around pressing issues such as trade, immigration, and bilateral security cooperation, but notably excluded any talks about Bitcoin, even though both leaders have previously endorsed the cryptocurrency. Trump raised the controversial suggestion of transferring U.S. citizens convicted of crimes to prisons in El Salvador, emphasizing the need for Bukele to expand the country's prison system. The idea of deporting convicted U.S. citizens to foreign prisons treads on unchartered legal territory, raising questions about the implications and processes involved. Furthermore, the background context of this dialogue is critical: the Trump administration has a history of deporting alleged foreign criminals to El Salvador under various agreements. The meeting also highlighted ongoing tensions regarding the trade war initiated by the Trump administration and hinted at possible temporary exemptions for automakers as part of easing the supply chain transition for American industries. Interestingly, while both leaders aim to promote innovative financial techniques through Bitcoin adoption, the meeting deliberately sidestepped any discussion on this front despite its importance to both nations' financial strategies. This strategic omission may suggest shifting priorities or an attempt to de-emphasize controversial topics in light of broader security and immigration matters. Overall, while the meeting covered significant issues, the exclusion of Bitcoin speaks volumes about the current geopolitical and economic climate affecting both the U.S. and El Salvador.