UAE-backed crypto deal buys 49% of Trump-linked World Liberty Financial for $500M, raising scrutiny.
A UAE-backed investment vehicle has quietly acquired nearly half of World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency startup linked to President Donald Trump. According to Bloomberg, the $500 million deal, which was finalized in January of 2025, came just days before Trump moved back into the White House. Analysts say it points to the increasing foreign interest in Trump crypto investments.
Abu Dhabi Firm Invests $500M in Trump-Linked World Liberty Financial
Aryam Investment 1, an Abu Dhabi entity backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan acquired 49% share in World Liberty Financial, according to The Wall Street Journal. Bloomberg is reporting that $250 million was paid in advance, with $187 million going to Trump family entities and $31 million to the family of Steve Witkoff, a WLF co-founder.
The remaining $250 million was supposed to be paid for by mid-July 2025. According to documents the deal was signed on January 16, 2025, only 4 days before Trump’s second inauguration. Following said deal, the board of WLF was reportedly joined by Abu Dhabi AI firm G42 executives.
Bit of context, World Liberty Financial is a cryptocurrency venture launched by the Trump family. The UAE-backed crypto deal bolsters its capital base. However, it raises questions about governance, foreign influence and ethical oversight in politically connected ventures.
Ethical Concerns and U.S. Scrutiny
The acquisition has irritated U.S. lawmakers. Critics raise the alarm that foreign investment for the President’s family poses serious conflict of interest issues. Additionally, there have been reports of the Trump administration later proceeding with policies that would give the UAE more access to US-made AI chips, something that Sheikh Tahnoon was keen on.
Despite these concerns, representatives of World Liberty Financial and the White House denied any wrongdoing. They stressed that President Trump was not personally involved in negotiations, and the money was channeled through corporate channels. Analysts point out the deal demonstrates the intersection of foreign-backed crypto investments and US policy priorities.
The UAE-backed crypto deal is significant and is one of the largest foreign stakes in a Trump-linked cryptocurrency startup. Nearly half of WLF is now controlled by interests of Abu Dhabi. Observers expect that future Trump crypto investments may come under closer scrutiny by regulators and Congress-especially given any high profile political connections.
The transaction represents the increasing role of foreign capital in U.S.-linked cryptocurrency ventures. It also emphasizes transparency, governance and ethical considerations for politically connected firms. Analysts say such Trump crypto investments could come under greater scrutiny due to regulatory pressure.
In conclusion, the crypto deal supported by the UAE is a significant source of financial support to World Liberty Financial. At the same time it addresses the nexus of cryptocurrency, international investment and political influence. This acquisition is a standard for foreign investment in politically affiliated crypto startups, as well as raises important questions of governance.