UAE Royal’s Alleged Stake in Trump Crypto Venture Raises Ethical Concerns
A UAE-linked entity associated with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed agreed to buy a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm tied to Donald Trump, for $500 million just days before Trump’s inauguration. Around $187 million reportedly went to Trump family entities and at least $31 million to Witkoff family entities. The agreement, signed by Eric Trump, made the UAE investor the firm's largest outside shareholder. The deal occurred shortly before the Trump administration granted the UAE expanded access to advanced U.S. AI chips, previously restricted. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, allege potential corruption and conflict of interest, calling for congressional investigation into whether national security was compromised for personal financial gain. The swift timing and high transaction value have raised concerns about bypassing campaign finance and ethics laws, potentially undermining the Foreign Emoluments Clause. The arrangement increases scrutiny over overlapping business interests and policy decisions, especially as the U.S. continues to debate crypto regulation and foreign investment oversight.
