Trump Brothers Launch Crypto Venture After Banks 'Debanked' Them

Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump say traditional banking is a 'Ponzi scheme' that forced their family to create crypto business World Liberty Financial.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump claim that traditional banks closed the Trump Organization's accounts in early 2021 following the January 6th Capitol riot, forcing the family to start the crypto venture World Liberty Financial. The brothers allege that banks have 'debanked' other conservative clients as well, and say their new crypto business aims to 'modernize finance' to prevent such actions from happening again.

Why it matters

The Trump family's involvement in a crypto venture has drawn criticism given the former president's ability to shape policy that could affect the fortunes of that venture. This case highlights the growing tensions between the crypto industry and the traditional banking system, as well as concerns about political influence and corruption.

The details

According to the Trump brothers, the family had long been able to easily obtain loans from New York banks, but that access was cut off after the January 6th events. They claim banks have also 'debanked' other conservative clients due to their political views. In response, the Trumps launched World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture that they say will 'democratize' finance and prevent such 'debanking' from happening again.

  • In early 2021, the Trump Organization's hundreds of bank accounts were closed in the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riot.
  • In late 2021, the Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan purchased a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, drawing criticism from Senator Elizabeth Warren.
  • The World Liberty Forum, where the Trump brothers made their comments, was held on February 18, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump Jr.

The eldest son of former President Donald Trump, who is co-founder of the crypto venture World Liberty Financial.

Eric Trump

The younger son of former President Donald Trump, who is co-founder of the crypto venture World Liberty Financial.

World Liberty Financial

A crypto venture launched by the Trump brothers after their family company's bank accounts were closed, which they say aims to 'modernize finance'.

Senator Elizabeth Warren

A Democratic senator from Massachusetts who has been a vocal critic of the Trump family's involvement in the crypto industry.

David Solomon

The CEO of Goldman Sachs, who was interviewed at the World Liberty Forum event.

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What they’re saying

“We got into it out of necessity. They basically forced us into it.”

— Donald Trump Jr. (CNBC)

“We're the most cancelled people in the world in 2020, 2021. And it's really great to almost have this retribution, where all of a sudden we start pushing an agenda, our agenda is to modernize finance to [make sure] that can never, ever happen to anybody again.”

— Eric Trump (CNBC)

“This is corruption, plain and simple. The Trump Administration must reverse its decision to sell sensitive AI chips to the United Arab Emirates.”

— Senator Elizabeth Warren (CNBC)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Trump brothers to continue operating World Liberty Financial while under investigation for potential conflicts of interest.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between the crypto industry and the traditional banking system, as well as concerns about political influence and corruption. It also raises questions about the Trump family's ability to leverage their political connections to benefit their business ventures, even after leaving the White House.