Trump-Linked Stablecoin USD1 Used for UFC Bonus Payouts at White House
World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture linked to President Trump, used its USD1 stablecoin to pay $250,000 in fighter performance bonuses at UFC Freedom 250, held on the White House lawn on June 14, 2026. This marks a notable commercial deployment for USD1, which has a circulating supply of about $4.6 billion. The event comes months after the company borrowed $75 million from DeFi protocol Dolomite, temporarily locking retail USD1 depositors from withdrawing funds. Additionally, World Liberty is engaged in litigation with crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun, who sued over frozen holdings. The company has applied for a federal banking license, and Trump's financial disclosure lists his stake at over $50 million. Critics view the UFC promotion as advertising for USD1, while the administration denies any conflict of interest.
Key facts
- USD1 stablecoin, issued by Trump-linked World Liberty Financial, paid $250,000 UFC bonuses.
- Event held on White House lawn on Trump's 80th birthday, June 14, 2026.
- Circulating supply of USD1 reached $4.6 billion; company seeks federal banking license.
- Earlier loan from Dolomite temporarily locked retail USD1 depositors.
- World Liberty is in litigation with Justin Sun over frozen WLFI tokens.