Public Figure Taking Salary in Bitcoin
In November 2021, a handful of public figures declared they would be taking parts of their salary in Bitcoin. The distinction between receiving a paycheck in Bitcoin vs a paycheck in US dollars, and then converting it to Bitcoin makes a difference.
- By publicly announcing either payment by Bitcoin or conversion of US dollar to Bitcoin, public figures and celebrities are using their social clout to indicates to society the growing interest in Bitcoin.
- Actually being paid in Bitcoin goes one step further by indicating the company issuing payment has Bitcoin on their books. This has been fairly slow adoption, with MicroStrategy leading the way.
But aside from that, public figures may also have other agendas. When it come to politicians, statements can be connected to re-election campaigns to get their names out in the news.
In my opinion, if public figures, and eventually the general public start to continually convert their salary in Bitcoin, that will be a net positive for Bitcoin. If however payroll departments at large companies figure out the complexities of holding Bitcoin to pay employees, that will become a much larger catalyst for the adoption of the Bitcoin economy for everyday payments.
Public Figures and Bitcoin
Joe Rogan – Will accept a $100,000 salary. Joe Rogan had originally regarded Bitcoin as a ponzi scheme, but has since had a change in opinion.
Aaron Rodgers – Will accept part of his $22.3 million salary in Bitcoin. He’s partnering with the Cash App.
Eric Adams – As incoming New York mayor, he has announced he will take his first three paychecks in Bitcoin.
Francis Suarez – Current Miami mayor is taking his next paycheck in Bitcoin. As part of the publicity, he was working on a plan to allow Miami city works to also accept Bitcoin.
Russell Okung – In 2019 ass a Carolina Panther, he was the first in the NFL to take half of his $13 million salary in Bitcoin. Although he did not actually get his paycheck in Bitcoin, he converted it from US dollar to Bitcoin via Strike.