The U.S. House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into a substantial foreign investment connected to a cryptocurrency company associated with former President Donald Trump. Lawmakers are scrutinizing a $500 million investment from Abu Dhabi into World Liberty Financial, a firm launched in 2024 with the stated goal of supporting U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins and bolstering the dollar's role in digital finance.
The investment reportedly came from Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior member of Abu Dhabi's royal family, and is said to grant him a 49% ownership stake in the company. The timing has drawn significant attention, as the deal was finalized just days before the 2025 presidential inauguration.
Representative Ro Khanna is leading the investigation and has formally requested detailed records, including ownership documents, payment information, and the company's control structure. The core concern for lawmakers is whether the deal could allow foreign influence over a company tied to a major political figure and if current laws provide adequate safeguards at the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency.
Donald Trump has publicly denied prior knowledge of the Abu Dhabi investment and rejected claims that it poses a threat to U.S. national security. The investigation remains in its early stages, and no accusations of wrongdoing have been made.
The probe underscores growing anxieties about cryptocurrency and national security, highlighting fears that foreign capital could influence U.S. financial systems. The outcome could impact U.S.–UAE relations and likely prompt closer scrutiny of foreign investments in politically connected crypto firms. More broadly, the investigation may shape future cryptocurrency regulations, potentially leading to stronger disclosure laws and tighter oversight.
