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President Trump said he was unaware of a $500M UAE-linked investment in World Liberty Financial
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The deal reportedly sent large sums to Trump and Witkoff family entities
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The investment complicates negotiations over US crypto market structure legislation
Trump Distances Himself From Crypto Deal
Donald Trump said he was unaware of a $500 million investment by an Abu Dhabi-backed entity in World Liberty Financial, a DeFi project linked to his family. Speaking at the White House, Trump said his sons manage the business and that he is not involved in day-to-day decisions.
The statement followed reporting by the Wall Street Journal detailing the investment.
Details of the UAE-Linked Transaction
According to the report, an investment vehicle tied to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan acquired a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial in a deal signed by Eric Trump shortly before Trump’s inauguration. Half of the $500 million commitment was reportedly paid upfront.
Of the initial payment, $187 million allegedly went to Trump family-controlled entities, while at least $31 million went to entities tied to the family of Steve Witkoff, a co-founder of the project and later a senior US envoy.
Impact on Crypto Legislation
The investment has added tension to already difficult negotiations over US digital asset market structure legislation. Analysts say Democrats are now likely to push for stricter conflict-of-interest rules covering senior officials and their families.
Senator Chris Murphy and other lawmakers have described the deal as deeply concerning, while TD Cowen analysts noted that resolving the legislative impasse may now require direct intervention from Trump himself.
