Senate Democrats Demand Treasury Probe of Trump Crypto Deal with UAE

Senators cite national security risks and conflicts of interest in $500M investment by UAE in Trump family's crypto venture

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Two prominent Senate Democrats have called on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to launch an investigation into the $500 million UAE investment in World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's cryptocurrency venture. The senators raised concerns about potential national security risks and conflicts of interest that could compromise U.S. foreign policy.

Why it matters

The timing of the senators' intervention is significant given the Treasury Secretary's push for crypto market structure legislation. The UAE investment raises questions about foreign influence over a sitting president's business interests and the national security implications of foreign governments potentially impacting international financial flows through their stake in a Trump family crypto platform.

The details

The $500 million UAE investment granted investors a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, co-founded by President Trump and managed by his sons Eric and Donald Jr. The deal came packaged with additional benefits including access to advanced AI chip technology and preferential treatment in future U.S.-UAE technology partnerships. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim argue this quid pro quo structure transforms the investment into a potential vehicle for foreign policy influence.

  • The $500 million UAE investment in World Liberty Financial was finalized just days before the presidential inauguration in January 2025.
  • The senators' intervention comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushes for passage of the CLARITY Act this spring to provide regulatory clarity for the crypto market.

The players

Elizabeth Warren

A prominent Democratic senator who has called for the Treasury investigation.

Andy Kim

A Democratic senator who has joined Warren in calling for the Treasury investigation.

Scott Bessent

The current Treasury Secretary who is facing pressure to address the national security concerns raised by the senators.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The UAE's national security advisor, deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, and chairman of the $2 billion MGX technology investment fund, whose lieutenants made the $500 million investment in World Liberty Financial.

World Liberty Financial

The cryptocurrency venture co-founded by President Trump and managed by his sons Eric and Donald Jr. that received the $500 million investment from the UAE.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Treasury Secretary must now decide whether to launch a formal investigation into the Trump family's $500 million crypto deal with the UAE, which could have significant implications for pending crypto legislation and regulatory policy.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex intersection of family business interests, foreign investment, and crypto policy, raising fundamental questions about governance, conflicts of interest, and foreign influence in American policymaking. The outcome of the potential Treasury investigation could significantly impact the future of crypto regulation in the United States.