Trump-Tahnoon Cryptocurrency Venture Raises Concerns Over Conflicts and Influence
The Trump family's cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial, is backed by an entity led by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al Nahyan, the UAE national security adviser and one of Abu Dhabi's most powerful royals.
Tahnoon owns 49% of WLTC Holdings, the holding company created for World Liberty's banking venture, while President Donald Trump and his family own another 38% through an affiliated entity.
This relationship extends beyond a financial investment; four days before Trump's January 2025 inauguration, Tahnoon agreed to pay $500 million for a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, with half paid upfront.
The arrangement has attracted congressional scrutiny due to concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence on U.S. policy decisions, particularly regarding advanced American AI chips provided to the UAE.