Trump-Linked WLFI Crypto Faces Scrutiny Over Reported $500M UAE Investment

Key Insights:

• House Democrats opened a probe into a reported $500M UAE-linked WLFI stake.
• Lawmakers cited other concerns about the deal related to transparency and foreign influence.
• The case revives debate over the ethics of crypto and stalled regulation in the U.S.

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a crypto company associated with Trump’s family, is under new scrutiny. House Democrats are investigating a reported $500 million UAE-linked investment in the company. The dispute is intensifying questions about transparency, influence, and crypto governance in Washington.

California Rep Khanna Launches Inquiry on Trump-Linked WLFI Crypto

California Rep. Ro Khanna said he opened an investigation into the reported WLFI investment. He framed the effort as a public trust issue and tied the inquiry to the need for better standards of transparency.

Khanna said he asked federal authorities to review the reported deal. Reports said he urged a U.S. attorney to investigate the transaction. He said lawmakers need clarity on the parties involved and the terms.

Khanna had also sent a letter to WLFI CEO Zach Witkoff, according to the report. He demanded answers to 16 questions and supporting documents. He requested information on files with records of the investment agreement and other communications.

The letter also requested information on the distribution of WLFI revenue and profit. It requested information on policies related to conflicts of interest. Democrats claim that disclosures are crucial when there is a convergence of politics and finance.

Trump Denies Involvement as Concerns Persist

President Donald Trump said that he did not know the reported investment. He argued his sons and his family were taking care of the company’s operations. That statement did not end Democratic concerns.

Lawmakers claim that family control can still pose public exposure risks. They say incentives can change without direct management. They also argued that foreign money can create pressure points in sensitive policy moments.

The controversy is also linked to broader concerns about ethics in digital assets. Democrats said crypto can move fast and stay opaque. They claim oversight needs to keep pace with market speed.

No other official details on the deal were provided in the report’s account. That leaves open questions about structure and oversight controls. Those gaps are driving demands for documentation and clearer public statements.

UAE Political Links Raise Influence Questions

Reports said the investor was supported by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He is an Emirati official who serves as national security adviser, the report said. Democrats claim his role makes the deal more sensitive.

The report also said Tahnoon pushed the U.S. on access to advanced AI chips. Democrats say that overlap needs scrutiny. They want to know if policy discussions intersect with the investment.

Khanna raised an issue of foreign influence on domestic policy-making. He reasoned that the lines of public confidence depend on clear separation. He also said geopolitical competition calls for integrity in U.S. decisions.

Moreover, the report said the investment would give the backer a 49% share in WLFI. Democrats consider that scale unusually significant. They say large ownership positions can influence governance results and business direction.

The Fight Comes Amid Stalled Crypto Regulation

The WLFI dispute comes as Congress debates a broader crypto rulebook. Progress on the CLARITY Act has been gradual and controversial. Lawmakers remain divided over who should regulate key crypto activities.

Khanna has advocated for stronger guardrails on public officials’ crypto exposure. He previously proposed legislation against the president and members of Congress. The proposal also included immediate family members.

Meanwhile, on-chain trackers reported WLFI sold 73 WBTC, about $5.04 million, about $69,000. Lookonchain said the WBTC was exchanged into USDC via the DeFi rails. Arkham-linked records indicated that it was routed through CoW Protocol and Aave on Ethereum.

The data was suggestive that WLFI received around $5 million in WBTC from Aave. It then exchanged those coins using CoW Protocol for USDC. Arkham data also showed that WLFI still holds 267 WBTC (roughly $18 million).

WLFI has also pursued regulated pathways along with DeFi activity. Reports stated that WLFI had applied to the OCC for a national trust bank license. The OCC reportedly continues its review amid Democratic pushback.

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