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Former UFC champion and now independent Irish presidential candidate Conor McGregor has called for the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve as part of his 2025 election campaign. Framing it as a move to “give power back to the people,” McGregor announced the proposal on X (formerly Twitter) on May 9, signaling a bold entry into crypto politics.

“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 wrote.

He added that more details would be shared during an upcoming X Spaces event, inviting notable Bitcoin figures to join the conversation. Responding to Anthony Pompliano, host of The Pomp Podcast, McGregor said, “We need the greatest minds for this BTC Reserve. Message me and let’s chat on my space.”

David Bailey, a prominent U.S. Bitcoin advocate and crypto advisor to former President Donald Trump, also offered to collaborate — a move McGregor welcomed: “David message me, let’s discuss your ideas!”

A Presidential Bid With Crypto Roots

McGregor formally announced his candidacy in March 2025, running on a platform that emphasizes anti-immigration measures, crime reduction, and now monetary decentralization through Bitcoin. The Irish presidential election is set to take place no later than November 11, 2025, when President Michael D. Higgins’ term concludes.

Source: Mitchell Askew

If elected, McGregor would face an uphill battle implementing a national Bitcoin reserve. To date, only a handful of countries — including El Salvador, Bhutan, and the United States — have formally established sovereign Bitcoin holdings. Ireland, under current policies, remains relatively cautious on digital assets.

Recent Crypto Setbacks and Legal Controversies

McGregor’s new push into Bitcoin comes shortly after the failure of his previous crypto venture, the REAL token project, which was backed by his gaming startup, Real World Gaming. The presale, held on April 5–6, raised only $392,315 — less than half of its $1 million minimum target — resulting in a full refund to investors.

In addition to financial setbacks, McGregor’s political campaign faces serious legal and public image challenges. He is currently appealing a civil sexual assault conviction and has been previously investigated for hate speech in Ireland. These controversies have drawn scrutiny from the public and media alike, potentially complicating his presidential ambitions.

Nonetheless, McGregor’s visibility in the international political scene has grown. A recent visit to the White House and a meeting with Donald Trump added to his profile, with Trump reportedly voicing support for his campaign.

A Risky but Revolutionary Play

While McGregor’s proposal for a Bitcoin reserve has excited some in the crypto community, analysts and political observers remain skeptical. As a non-mainstream candidate, his ability to implement sweeping financial reforms is uncertain at best.

Still, by integrating Bitcoin into national policy discussions, McGregor joins a small group of global political figures exploring cryptocurrency as a sovereign monetary tool, potentially influencing future discourse on digital currency adoption in Europe.