A secret agreement between Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Donald Trump family regarding a cryptocurrency venture has sparked public debate.
Representatives of Abu Dhabi's royal family Tahnoon have signed a deal to acquire a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's cryptocurrency project, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing company documents and sources.
The agreement was signed between Tahnoun and Eric Trump four days before President Donald Trump's inauguration last year, according to the report. The first round of investments totaling $500 million amounted to $250 million, of which $187 million was reportedly allocated to companies associated with the Trump family.
It also said at least $31 million would be sent to entities associated with the family of Steve Witkoff, co-founder of World Liberty and the US special envoy for the Middle East. An additional $31 million is said to have gone to entities associated with the company's other co-founders, Zach Folkman and Chase Herro.
A World Liberty spokesperson said the investment was made to ensure the company's growth and that Donald Trump and Steve Witkoff had no role in the deal. The White House press secretary added that Trump's assets are held in trusts controlled by his children.
The report said Tahnoun and several partner investors finalized the deal after reviewing the project for several months. The remaining $250 million is expected to be paid by July 15, 2025, but the distribution of this amount has not yet been determined.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan serves as National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates and Deputy Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He was also appointed head of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in 2023, which will manage assets worth about $1 trillion.
*This is not investment advice.
