New reporting has thrust World Liberty Financial (WLFI) — a Trump-family–backed crypto venture — into the spotlight, as questions mount over a near-$500 million investment tied to a close ally of the United Arab Emirates. What was reported - The Wall Street Journal says a company linked to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan arranged to acquire roughly 49% of WLFI in a deal worth nearly $500 million. Documents and sources cited by the WSJ indicate the investment was structured in multiple tranches. - The first tranche reportedly came from Aryam Investment 1, a Tahnoon-backed firm, and totaled $250 million. Of that amount, about $187 million was sent to entities connected to the Trump family and roughly $31 million to companies tied to WLFI founders Zak Folkman and Chase Herro. - The WSJ also reports the agreement was signed by Eric Trump on January 16 — four days before Donald Trump was sworn into office — a timing now receiving particular scrutiny. Trump’s response President Donald Trump said he was unaware of the reported transaction in a recent media appearance: “I don’t know about it. I know that crypto is a big thing.” He added that his sons and family “are handling that,” suggesting family members manage the project’s investment activity. Status and stakes WLFI has not publicly confirmed or denied the WSJ’s account. If the reporting is accurate, Aryam would become the largest outside shareholder in WLFI, raising concerns among observers about potential foreign influence in a venture tied to the sitting U.S. president. Why Sheikh Tahnoon matters Sheikh Tahnoon serves as the UAE’s national security adviser and chairs AI conglomerate Group 42, which recently received U.S. Commerce Department approval to acquire advanced chips from Nvidia and AMD. The Sheikh also leads other investment vehicles: shortly before that chip-approval, MGX — another Tahnoon-linked firm — used the USD1 stablecoin to help facilitate a multibillion-dollar investment in crypto exchange Binance. Ownership shifts and past sales The WSJ’s revelations could help explain recent changes in WLFI’s ownership. In June 2025, the Trump family’s DT Marks DEFI LLC reportedly reduced its WLFI stake from 75% (December 2024) to 40%. At the time, market coverage speculated the sale generated roughly $190 million, with Donald Trump receiving a sizable portion. Regulatory and political fallout The possible UAE connection has intensified scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators. Critics warn of conflicts of interest and the risk of foreign influence over an entity closely linked to the U.S. president. Senator Elizabeth Warren publicly urged regulators this month to pause their review of WLFI’s banking charter application over unresolved conflict-of-interest concerns. Bottom line Key questions remain unanswered: WLFI has not confirmed the deal, and Trump insists he did not know about it. If the WSJ’s reporting proves accurate, the transaction would materially change WLFI’s ownership and deepen scrutiny into ties between crypto ventures backed by the Trump family and foreign investors with strategic ties to the U.S. government. Regulators and lawmakers will likely keep a close eye on both WLFI’s charter process and any follow-up disclosures. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

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