Trump Family Pockets $187M from UAE's $500M Crypto Stake in World Liberty Financial

Rare conservative criticism threatens passage of key digital asset bills despite regulatory wins.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Trump family reportedly received $187 million from a $500 million investment by the United Arab Emirates government in World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm, just days before Trump's 2026 inauguration. This has drawn criticism from unexpected quarters, including conservative media and bipartisan lawmakers, threatening the passage of important digital asset market structure bills. Meanwhile, the crypto industry is seeing regulatory progress with banking approvals and Fed payment access, even as the political controversy intensifies.

Why it matters

The Trump family's financial ties to the UAE's crypto investment in World Liberty Financial have raised ethical concerns that could jeopardize the passage of key digital asset legislation, despite ongoing regulatory advancements in the industry. This highlights the political identity crisis facing the crypto sector as it seeks legitimacy and clear rules of the road.

The details

According to Wall Street Journal reporting, $187 million of the initial $250 million payment from the UAE's 49% stake in World Liberty Financial flowed to Trump-controlled entities. This timing coincided with discussions about relaxing U.S. microchip export restrictions to the UAE, which were originally imposed due to concerns about semiconductor diversions to China. The arrangement has drawn criticism from unexpected sources, including the conservative National Review and bipartisan House members like Rep. Ro Khanna, who has launched a formal investigation.

  • The UAE government purchased a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial for $500 million just days before Trump's January 2026 inauguration.
  • The $187 million payment to Trump-controlled entities from the initial $250 million investment coincided with discussions about relaxing U.S. microchip export restrictions to the UAE.

The players

World Liberty Financial

A crypto firm that sold a 49% stake to the UAE government for $500 million.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan

A UAE government official who purchased the 49% stake in World Liberty Financial.

Rep. Ro Khanna

A bipartisan House member who has launched a formal investigation into the World Liberty Financial deal.

Carl Moon

A crypto influencer with 1.5 million X (Twitter) followers who has criticized Trump's impact on the crypto industry.

Howard Lutnick

The Commerce Secretary whose sworn testimony about severing ties with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2005 has been contradicted by newly released documents.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.