Compass Investments

A secret agreement between Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Donald Trump’s clan over a crypto venture has sparked a public debate.

According to the Wall Street Journal, citing corporate papers and knowledgeable sources, representatives of Abu Dhabi’s ruling Tahnoon dynasty have signed a contract to buy 49% stakes in World Liberty Financial, a crypto project owned by the Trump family.

As noted in the material, this transaction was formalized between Tahnoun’s confidants and Eric Trump just four days before Donald Trump took office last year. The first tranche of the combined half-billion-dollar investment totaled $250 million, of which $187 million was reportedly funneled to firms affiliated with the Trump family.

It is also mentioned that at least $31 million was intended for transfer to entities associated with Steve Witkoff, co-founder of World Liberty and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. Another $31 million was reportedly transferred to an entity closely linked to the company’s other co-founders, Zach Folkman and Chase Herro.

a spokesperson for World Liberty explained that the investment was raised to spur business development and emphasized that Donald Trump and Steve Witkoff were not involved in the agreement. A White House official added that Trump’s assets have been placed in trust for his heirs.

The report indicated that Tahnoun and a number of investor partners finalized the deal after months of due diligence on the project. The remaining $250 million is due by July 15, 2025, but the distribution scheme for the funds has not yet been approved.