Senate Democrats have demanded immediate hearings into a $500 million investment by UAE officials in World Liberty Financial (WLFI), Donald Trump's family crypto venture, and its potential influence on U.S. policy. The deal, closed four days before Trump's inauguration, gave UAE-linked investors a 49% stake with $218 million upfront to entities tied to Trump and Middle East diplomat Steve Witkoff. The letter, signed by Senators Warren, Blumenthal, Peters, Durbin, and Wyden, cites subsequent policy decisions favoring the UAE: a $1.4 billion arms sale, a CFIUS fast-track program, and lifted chip export restrictions allowing UAE AI firm G42 to acquire 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell chips. Notably, U.S. intelligence reportedly caught G42 providing U.S. technology to enhance China's missile capabilities. The senators seek sworn testimony on what administration officials knew about the payments and demand hearings to restore public trust.

Key facts

• Senate Democrats demand hearings on UAE's $500M investment in Trump's World Liberty Financial.
• Deal closed 4 days before Trump's inauguration; $218M paid upfront to Trump and Witkoff entities.
• Subsequent Trump policies favored UAE: arms sale, CFIUS fast-track, chip export lift.
• UAE AI firm G42 received 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell chips, despite aiding China's missile program.
• Senators seek sworn testimony on administration knowledge of the payments.