Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez (born July 24, 1981) is a Salvadoran politician and businessman currently serving as the 81st President of El Salvador since June 1, 2019. He was re-elected in 2024 with an overwhelming 85% of the vote, making him one of the most popular leaders in the world. Prior to becoming president, he served as Mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán (2012-2015) and Mayor of San Salvador (2015-2018).
Bukele is known for his aggressive crackdown on gangs, which significantly reduced El Salvador’s homicide rate. However, he has faced accusations of authoritarianism, particularly for his mass arrests of gang members and changes to the country’s legal system. He also made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, making El Salvador the first country in the world to do so.
In this article, we will explore Nayib Bukele’s net worth, biography, career, political policies, Bitcoin law, family, controversies, re-election, and other key aspects of his leadership.
Nayib Bukele Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez |
| Nickname | Nayib Bukele |
| Profession | Politician, Businessman |
| Hometown | San Salvador, El Salvador |
| Nationality | Salvadoran |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1981 |
| Age (2025) | 43 years old |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Political Party | Nuevas Ideas |
| Spouse | Gabriela RodrÃguez (m. 2014) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Education | Central American University (dropped out) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $5 Million – $10 Million |
| Known For | Gang crackdown, Bitcoin adoption, authoritarian leadership accusations |
Early Life and Business Career
Nayib Bukele was born on July 24, 1981, in San Salvador, El Salvador, to Armando Bukele Kattán, a businessman and industrial chemist of Palestinian descent, and Olga Marina Ortez. His paternal grandparents were Palestinian Christians who emigrated from Jerusalem and Bethlehem in 1921.
Education and Early Business Career
- Attended Escuela Panamericana for high school.
- Studied judicial science at Central American University but dropped out to focus on business.
- In 1999, he founded an advertising company, Obermet (4am Saatchi & Saatchi El Salvador).
- His company handled political advertising for the FMLN party, including Mauricio Funes’ successful presidential campaign in 2009.
- Owned Yamaha Motors El Salvador from 2009 to 2012.
Political Career
Mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán (2012-2015)
- Bukele joined the FMLN party in 2012 and won the election as Mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán.
- Created scholarship programs for youth and launched the Sphere PM project, which sent a high-altitude balloon into the stratosphere.
Mayor of San Salvador (2015-2018)
- Elected Mayor of San Salvador in 2015.
- Revitalized the city’s historic downtown area and introduced new lighting and security measures.
- Was expelled from the FMLN in 2017 after a dispute with party leadership.
2019 Presidential Election
- Founded his own political party, Nuevas Ideas, in 2017.
- Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) refused to register Nuevas Ideas, so Bukele ran under the Grand Alliance for National Unity (GANA).
- Won the 2019 Presidential Election with 53.1% of the vote, breaking the ARENA-FMLN two-party dominance.
Presidency (2019-Present)
Territorial Control Plan & Gang Crackdown
- Implemented the Territorial Control Plan in July 2019, aiming to reduce gang violence.
- El Salvador’s homicide rate dropped from 38 per 100,000 in 2019 to 1.9 per 100,000 in 2024, making it one of the safest countries in Latin America.
- However, human rights organizations accuse Bukele of arbitrary arrests, mass imprisonment, and suppression of dissent.
Bitcoin Law & Economic Reforms
- El Salvador became the first country in the world to make Bitcoin legal tender in 2021.
- Created Bitcoin City, a proposed tax-free city powered by geothermal energy from a volcano.
- Lost millions in government Bitcoin investments in 2022 but saw profits in 2024 when Bitcoin prices surged.
Authoritarianism Accusations
- 2020: Sent armed soldiers into the Legislative Assembly to force lawmakers to approve a $109 million security loan.
- 2021: Replaced all Supreme Court judges and the Attorney General, solidifying control over the judiciary.
- 2022: Suspended constitutional rights, allowing mass arrests during the gang crackdown.
- 2024: Won re-election after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional ban on consecutive terms.
Family and Relationships
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | Armando Bukele Kattán (deceased, businessman) |
| Mother | Olga Marina Ortez |
| Siblings | Karim, Yusef, Ibrajim (brothers) |
| Spouse | Gabriela RodrÃguez (married 2014) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Net Worth and Income Sources
| Financial Detail | Estimated Value (2025) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $5 Million – $10 Million |
| Primary Income | Presidential Salary, Business Investments |
| Other Income | Bitcoin Investments, Coffee Farming |
Bukele earns a presidential salary but made most of his wealth through business ventures before entering politics. His Bitcoin investments remain controversial due to volatility.
Lesser-Known Facts About Nayib Bukele
- He dropped out of law school to become a businessman.
- He was once a radical leftist but now embraces conservative populism.
- He used to run political ads for the FMLN before being expelled.
- He refers to himself as “The World’s Coolest Dictator” on social media.
- He legalized Bitcoin in El Salvador, despite international backlash.
- He has a coffee farm and sells coffee under the Bean of Fire brand.
- His government has arrested over 83,900 suspected gang members.
- He proposed reducing El Salvador’s municipalities from 262 to 44.
- He enjoys strong support from Elon Musk and Donald Trump.
- He has a cult-like following in Latin America.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Nayib Bukele’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is between $5 million and $10 million.
Q: How many times has Bukele been elected?
A: Twice—2019 and 2024.
Q: Did Nayib Bukele make Bitcoin legal tender?
A: Yes, in 2021, El Salvador became the first country to do so.
Q: Is Nayib Bukele a dictator?
A: Critics call him authoritarian, but he remains popular among Salvadorans.
Conclusion
Nayib Bukele is one of the most influential and controversial leaders in Latin America. Whether he is a savior or a dictator remains a global debate, but his popularity remains unmatched.
“This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. Readers should verify details from independent sources.”
