Nayib Bukele, the current President of El Salvador, is one of the most polarizing political figures in Latin America. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $3 million, a figure that has drawn scrutiny as his political influence continues to expand. Bukele rose to power promising change and reform, yet his tenure has been marked by both high public approval and significant international criticism, especially around human rights, authoritarianism, and controversial fiscal policies like his adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender.
Early Life and Business Background
Born on July 24, 1981, in San Salvador, Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez is of Palestinian descent through his father, Armando Bukele, a practicing Muslim and entrepreneur. His mother, Olga Ortez, is a Christian, and Bukele was raised in a religiously diverse household.
He studied law at the Central American University but dropped out before completing his degree. Early in his career, Bukele ventured into business, owning Yamaha Motors El Salvador and launching other marketing-related ventures. His entrepreneurial experience helped shape his image as a non-traditional politician and modern reformer, a narrative that he would later emphasize during his political campaigns.
Entry into Politics: Mayoral Roles
Bukele entered public service in 2012 as the mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán, where he introduced social programs such as monthly food assistance for seniors over 55 and scholarships for students with high academic performance. His administration claimed a decrease in homicide rates during his term, helping solidify his image as an effective leader.
In 2015, he became mayor of San Salvador, winning against a well-funded businessman. During his time in the capital, Bukele focused on infrastructure modernization, expanding roads, upgrading telecommunications, and spearheading urban development projects. His tenure boosted his popularity and positioned him as a political outsider ready to challenge El Salvador’s entrenched political duopoly.
Presidential Victory and Rise to Power
After being expelled from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) in 2017 due to alleged internal conflicts and misconduct, Bukele charted his own path. He founded Nuevas Ideas, a political party that was ultimately denied registration for the 2019 election. To stay in the race, he joined the center-right Grand Alliance for National Unity (GANA) and won the presidency in 2019, breaking a decades-long cycle dominated by two traditional parties.
Presidential Salary and Declared Wealth
Bukele earns a monthly salary of $5,181 as President of El Salvador. In a public financial disclosure made in July 2019, he declared a net worth of $2.5 million, which has since grown modestly to an estimated $3 million by 2025. His wealth primarily comes from his prior business ventures, not political office, though public concern over transparency and ethics remains.
Crime and Security Measures
Shortly after taking office, Bukele launched an aggressive security initiative aimed at reducing El Salvador’s high crime rates. He deployed both the National Civil Police and the Armed Forces, equipping them with modern weaponry. While his government touted a significant reduction in homicides, U.S. intelligence and watchdog groups alleged secret negotiations with gangs like Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) to lower crime figures, sparking major concerns about governance ethics.
His creation of an anti-corruption unit and the International Commission Against Impunity in El Salvador initially gained praise but was later overshadowed by moves that critics viewed as undermining democratic institutions.
Authoritarian Moves and Global Criticism
Bukele has repeatedly clashed with democratic norms. In 2020, he sent armed soldiers into El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly to pressure lawmakers into approving a military funding bill. The move drew sharp criticism both domestically and internationally.
In 2021, his allies in the legislature removed the attorney general and five Supreme Court judges, a move widely condemned as a self-coup. This consolidation of power was seen as an erosion of judicial independence and a step toward autocracy.
Later that year, the Supreme Court reversed a previous ruling barring consecutive presidential terms, effectively paving the way for Bukele to run for reelection in 2024, despite constitutional objections.
The Foreign Agents Law, introduced during his term, was also seen as a tool to suppress press freedom and civil society, echoing tactics used by authoritarian governments elsewhere.
The Bitcoin Experiment
One of Bukele’s most internationally controversial policies was his decision to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. El Salvador became the first country in the world to do so, with the government investing millions of public funds in the cryptocurrency.
The rollout included the launch of Chivo Wallet, a state-sponsored digital wallet offering Bitcoin incentives. However, the value of Bitcoin plummeted in the following months, causing the national treasury to reportedly lose around $22 million and deepening the country’s sovereign debt crisis.
Despite the economic fallout, Bukele has continued to promote Bitcoin as a long-term solution to banking access and financial modernization. But critics argue that the experiment has worsened fiscal stability and exposed citizens to unnecessary financial risk.
Social Stances and Political Ideology
Bukele aligns with right-wing populist ideology. He is staunchly opposed to abortion, even in cases of rape or incest, and has also opposed LGBTQ rights and immigration protections. His hardline views and concentration of power have placed him in the global spotlight as a leader who blends populism with authoritarianism.
Personal Life
Bukele married Gabriela Rodríguez, a prenatal psychologist and educator, in 2014. The couple welcomed their first child in 2019, during Bukele’s early presidential term. Rodríguez plays an active role in public appearances and advocacy, often representing the softer, more human side of Bukele’s administration.
Final Thoughts
Nayib Bukele’s presidency has reshaped El Salvador’s political and financial identity. With an estimated net worth of $3 million, his ascent from businessman to head of state is marked by innovation, disruption, and controversy. As he prepares for potential reelection in 2024, the world will closely watch how his unorthodox leadership continues to impact democracy, economics, and civil society in one of Central America’s most volatile nations.
