American media reports have sparked widespread controversy over a massive financial deal linking a cryptocurrency startup associated with the family of U.S. President Donald Trump to an investment entity tied to a senior Emirati official. The deal, valued at approximately $500 million, was signed shortly before Trump’s return to the White House.
According to The Wall Street Journal, an investment company controlled by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan—the UAE’s National Security Adviser and brother of the Emirati president—signed an agreement to acquire a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency firm founded by the Trump family and several allies in the fall of 2024 during the presidential campaign.
The deal, concluded amid preparations for Trump’s inauguration, has raised significant political and media questions in the United States regarding potential conflicts of interest and the possible influence of the president’s family business interests on U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly toward Gulf states.
Intersection of Money and Politics
The transaction is part of a series of business dealings linked to the Trump family since his return to power, especially in the cryptocurrency sector, alongside foreign real estate investments in Gulf countries.
Other reports also revealed additional Emirati investments. In May, MGX—also chaired by Sheikh Tahnoun—announced a $2 billion investment using a stablecoin issued by World Liberty, a move that could generate substantial annual profits for the project.
Deals Coinciding With a Sensitive U.S. Decision
Observers have noted that these financial moves coincided with a decision by the Trump administration to allow the UAE to purchase large quantities of advanced computing chips essential for artificial intelligence development. These technologies had been subject to strict restrictions under former President Joe Biden’s administration, as part of measures aimed at preventing the leakage of sensitive technology to rival international actors.
Some U.S. national security officials expressed concerns that selling these chips to the UAE could significantly enhance its technological capabilities and potentially open the door for their transfer to other countries, including China.
White House Denies Conflict of Interest
The White House denied any connection between the financial deal and U.S. administration decisions, stressing that President Trump “does not interfere in his family’s business transactions” and that he “performs his constitutional duties in accordance with sound ethical standards.”
However, critics argue that the continuation of large-scale deals between companies linked to the president’s family and foreign entities poses a threat to transparency and undermines the credibility of U.S. foreign policy.
