A firm linked to an Abu Dhabi royal family member acquired a large stake in a cryptocurrency venture associated with the Trump family shortly before President Donald Trump returned to office, according to multiple media reports. The investment, valued at about $500 million, was completed days before the January inauguration and remained undisclosed publicly at the time.
The transaction was first revealed by The Wall Street Journal, which reported that the investor was connected to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ national security adviser and a senior figure within Abu Dhabi’s ruling family.
Investment Structure and Timing
According to the report, an Abu Dhabi-backed entity named Aryam Investment 1 agreed to purchase a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company launched in 2024 and linked to members of the Trump family. The deal was signed just four days before Trump was sworn in for his second presidential term.
Roughly half of the total investment was paid upfront. The report said that approximately $187 million from the initial payment was directed to entities controlled by the Trump family, while the remaining funds went to other partners involved in the venture.
Role of Trump Family Members
Documents reviewed by the publication indicated that Eric Trump signed the agreement on behalf of the Trump family’s interests. World Liberty Financial has publicly identified the Trump family as having an economic stake, but did not initially disclose the identity of the Abu Dhabi-linked investor.
The company operates in the decentralised finance sector and has pursued token-related activities, though details of its commercial performance have not been publicly released.
World Liberty Financial also has ties to the family of Steve Witkoff, a real estate executive and
longtime Trump associate. Witkoff later served as a US special envoy to the Middle East. His son is listed among the founders of the crypto venture, according to corporate records cited in media reports.
The involvement of politically connected figures on both sides of the deal has added to scrutiny surrounding the transaction.
Why the Investment Is Under Scrutiny
The size and timing of the foreign investment have raised concerns among US lawmakers and ethics experts, particularly because it involved a business tied to the family of a sitting president. Critics say the lack of immediate disclosure could complicate oversight and raise questions about potential conflicts of interest.
\While no direct policy link has been established, the investment coincided with broader shifts in US relations with the UAE following Trump’s return to office, prompting calls for closer examination of foreign financial ties involving politically exposed individuals.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan oversees an extensive portfolio of investments across finance, technology and security-related sectors. He is considered one of the most influential decision-makers in the UAE and plays a central role in shaping the country’s strategic investment approach.
The Trump administration has not commented publicly on the investment. Some US lawmakers have called for additional transparency around foreign stakes in businesses linked to political families, while governance experts say the case could renew debate over disclosure standards and ethical safeguards.
Key Highlights:
- Abu Dhabi royal-linked firm acquired a 49% stake in Trump family-associated crypto venture before inauguration
- A $500 million investment was undisclosed at the time and later revealed by The Wall Street Journal
- Deal has drawn scrutiny over transparency and foreign investment involving politically connected businesses
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