Transaction from the UAE in Trump's cryptocurrency raises concerns about corruption

The latest financial scandal linking the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. president, and the cryptocurrency world is attracting the attention of the Washington establishment. Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut publicly highlighted suspicious connections between investments from the UAE and the Trump administration’s decisions regarding advanced technology.

Billions of dollars and secret transfers — what did the Abu Dhabi investment look like

Just four days before Trump’s inauguration, Aryam Investment — an entity linked to UAE Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed — signed a deal to purchase 49 percent of shares in World Liberty Financial. A crypto-related company associated with Trump was valued at $500 million. According to reports cited by PANews, the structure of this transfer proved to be particularly controversial.

Of this half-billion dollars, approximately $187 million went directly to entities controlled by the president’s family. Additionally, at least $31 million was directed to structures associated with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East. Murphy pointed out that the timing of these cash flows raises significant questions about the motives and intentions behind them.

Access to AI chips — sudden policy change

Immediately after finalizing the deal with the UAE, the Trump administration authorized expanded access for Emirati investors to advanced AI chips originating from the United States. This move reversed the previous administration’s restrictive policy, which had limited these technologies. The sequence of events suggested to Senator Murphy a possible logical connection between the investment and the technological security decisions.

“This is corruption” — accusations made by the Senate

Murphy left no doubt about his interpretation of the situation. He described the transaction as “clear corruption” and “a potential crime.” In his view, the secret transfer of large sums to the president and close associates was exchanged for access to sensitive technologies from the administration. The senator was particularly concerned that procedures related to granting the UAE access to AI chips might have been deliberately expedited.

Trump, commenting on the matter, stated that he was unaware of this investment activity, citing that his sons handled the negotiations.

Assurances of justice

Murphy appealed that although accountability might be delayed, justice must eventually be served. His words included a promise that “the law will return” and that those who turn power into money will have to face justice. The senator is supported by an increasing number of voices calling for a formal investigation into the circumstances of the UAE transaction and its connection to technological security decisions.