While studying at the university, Bukele and three others published their thesis in economics: A Theoretical and Empirical Comparison of Neoclassical and Marxist Theory Regarding the Relationship between Skilled Labor, Productivity and Wages.

Bukele added that "The factor to win, I believe, could be to defend the vote, in the case that they annul our votes, or in case they attack them, because it is evident that [the Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA)] and [the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN)] have united" ("El factor para ganar, creo yo, puede estar en la defensa del voto, en que nos anulen votos, o en el llenado de las actas, porque es evidente como Arena y el Frente se han unido").

[11] In May and June 2021, Bukele, his twin brother Ibrajim, and other Salvadoran officials met with foreign investors to discuss the possibility of introducing digital currency or cryptocurrency in El Salvador.

[14] On 9 June 2021, the Legislative Assembly voted to pass a bill to make bitcoin legal tender in El Salvador[15] which was in part drafted by Bukele.

[18] In 2021, Attorney General Raúl Melara launched an investigation into Bukele, Ibrajim, and Karim regarding allegations of arbitrary acts, document falsification, and embezzlement.

[19] The investigation, known as Operation Cathedral which alleged that the three were the leaders of a "complex network of corruption",[20] was suspended following Melara's removal by the Legislative Assembly and his replacement by Rodolfo Delgado.