El Salvador's plans to use Bitcoin as legal tender were abandoned in favor of international development loans, which require countries to balance their deficits and privatize sectors of the economy. The IMF forced El Salvador to reduce its Bitcoin purchases and no longer accept tax payments in Bitcoin, while also restricting the public sector's Bitcoin-related activities. Despite this setback, El Salvador's government remains committed to Bitcoin and will continue to hold it in reserve. The IMF has a history of keeping financial liberation tools away from under-resourced countries and prioritizing US colonial power over the needs of people experiencing poverty in underdeveloped countries.