Conor McGregor Proposes National Bitcoin Reserve Amid Crypto Rally

Former UFC champion and newly declared Irish presidential candidate Conor McGregor has expressed support for the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve in Ireland. In a post on X, McGregor argued that Bitcoin aligns with the principle of financial empowerment, stating that "Crypto in its origin was founded to give power back to the people. An Irish Bitcoin strategic reserve will give power to the people’s money."

McGregor's proposal comes at a time when Bitcoin has experienced a significant rally, surging to over $104,000. He plans to discuss his vision further during an upcoming X Spaces event, inviting key figures in the Bitcoin community to join the conversation. McGregor has also reached out to U.S. presidential crypto advisor David Bailey, expressing enthusiasm for his potential involvement.

McGregor announced his independent run for the Irish presidency in March 2025, with a focus on crime reduction and strict immigration policies. Ireland’s next presidential election is scheduled for no later than November 11, 2025, when the current term of President Michael D. Higgins ends. While the idea of a Bitcoin reserve is innovative, it remains uncharted territory for Ireland, with only a few nations, including the U.S., El Salvador, and Bhutan, having actively explored sovereign Bitcoin reserves.

Implementing such a strategy, especially from an independent candidate without party backing, would face significant political and regulatory hurdles. McGregor’s crypto credibility has also been questioned, as his previous blockchain venture, the REAL project, failed to meet its $1 million funding goal during its April pre-sale, raising just $392,315 before issuing refunds to investors. The project aimed to merge crypto and gaming but failed to gain traction. Additionally, McGregor is appealing a recent civil conviction for sexual assault and has previously faced investigations over hate speech.

Despite these challenges, McGregor's proposal for an Irish national Bitcoin reserve highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies as a means of financial empowerment and sovereignty. His advocacy for Bitcoin aligns with the broader trend of high-profile figures endorsing digital assets, reflecting a shift in public perception and political discourse around cryptocurrencies. As the Bitcoin price continues to rally, McGregor's proposal could gain traction, potentially influencing Ireland's approach to digital currencies and financial policy.