US lawmakers seek review of $500M UAE investment in Trump-linked WLFI

As of 15 February 2026, US lawmakers this week called for a formal investigation into a foreign investment deal involving crypto company World Liberty Financial after reports revealed a government-linked United Arab Emirates fund purchased a 49% stake shortly before the U.S. presidential transition. Officials say the deal raises national security and data protection concerns.

Members of Congress have asked the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to confirm whether the transaction underwent proper review procedures.

Lawmakers argue that foreign ownership involving politically connected companies requires heightened scrutiny to preserve public trust and protect sensitive financial infrastructure.

Reporting by The Wall Street Journal indicated the investment made the foreign fund the firm’s largest shareholder. The deal was reportedly backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with portions of funding allegedly benefiting entities linked to the family of incoming president Donald Trump. Representatives involved have not publicly confirmed transaction details.

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Data Access and Technology Concerns Rise

Lawmakers also expressed concern that executives associated with technology company G42 gained influence within the crypto firm following the investment. U.S. intelligence assessments previously warned that partnerships linked to overseas technology networks could pose cybersecurity or data-sharing risks.

Officials worry foreign stakeholders could gain indirect access to customer records collected by crypto services, which could include wallet details, device identifiers, and possible identity documents required during compliance checks. The expansion of licensed financial services could also contribute to increased customer data exposure.

Lawmakers Demand Transparency on Review Process

Other questions relate to whether the process circumvented the reporting requirements or if it met the expedited process qualifications. Reports suggest lawmakers are investigating whether the investment screening programs, which were introduced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury last year, expedited the process without proper scrutiny.

Legislators also want confirmation of the review process, communications, and recommendations made to the federal leadership. They expect to receive their answers by early March, with more investigation into the effect of foreign investments in crypto infrastructure linked to the US, but with investors from the UAE.

Why This Matters

Foreign investments in crypto exchanges linked to US politicians may compromise sensitive financial and personal information, which could attract the attention of intelligence agencies.

Transparency in these deals with politicians can provide comfort to market participants. This is because of the increasing market for digital assets.

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