$500M Trump Crypto Sale to UAE Royal Sparks Ethics and Policy Concerns
A Wall Street Journal investigation reveals a $500 million cryptocurrency deal involving Donald TRUMP and a UAE royal family member. Entities linked to Trump sold 49% of World Liberty Financial (WLFI) days before his second inauguration, with funds routed to Trump-affiliated groups. The undisclosed transaction has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and ethics experts over potential conflicts of interest.
The UAE investor secured board seats at WLFI, while executives tied to Abu Dhabi's G42 assumed governance roles. Following the deal, WLFI pursued a national trust bank charter as Trump-connected crypto ventures expanded. Questions intensified after the U.S. approved significant AI chip exports to the UAE, some allegedly linked to G42.
The timing and opacity of the transaction raise concerns about its influence on subsequent policy decisions. The deal's structure, which distributed millions among insiders, underscores the blurred lines between private crypto ventures and public office during Trump's presidency.