Updated Aug 30, 2026
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UAE 'spy sheikh' backs 49% stake in Trump family's crypto bank venture, WSJ reports

A senior UAE official, described by the Wall Street Journal as a "spy sheikh," has agreed to back a 49% stake in World Liberty, the Trump family's crypto banking venture. Preliminary federal approval has been granted for World Liberty's proposed trust bank, the Journal reported.

By Rafael Okonkwo2 min read
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Key takeaways

  • A senior UAE official the Wall Street Journal described as a "spy sheikh" has agreed to back a 49% stake in World Liberty, the Trump family's crypto banking venture.
  • The 49% stake is not a controlling interest, and the WSJ did not say what entity holds the remaining share.
  • World Liberty's proposed trust bank has received preliminary federal approval, according to the report.
  • The WSJ did not name the UAE official, disclose the financial value of the stake, or specify when the agreement was reached.
  • The report characterized the deal as a deepening of World Liberty's ties to the senior UAE official.

A senior UAE official, described by the Wall Street Journal as a "spy sheikh," has agreed to back a 49% stake in World Liberty, the Trump family's crypto banking venture. Preliminary federal approval has been granted for World Liberty's proposed trust bank, the Journal reported.

The Journal did not identify the official by name or disclose the financial value of the stake. The report described him as a senior figure within the UAE government.

The 49% stake falls short of a controlling interest. The Journal did not specify what entity holds the remaining share or when the agreement was reached.

World Liberty's proposed trust bank holds preliminary federal approval, the report shows. The Journal did not name which federal body granted that status or the timeline for a final determination.

The report described the arrangement as a deepening of World Liberty's ties to the senior UAE official.

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Frequently asked

Who is backing the 49% stake in World Liberty?

A senior UAE government official, described by the Wall Street Journal as a "spy sheikh," though the Journal did not identify him by name.

What is World Liberty?

World Liberty is the Trump family's crypto banking venture, which has a proposed trust bank that holds preliminary federal approval.

Does the 49% stake give the UAE official control of World Liberty?

No, the 49% stake falls short of a controlling interest, and the Journal did not specify who holds the remaining share.

What federal approval has World Liberty received?

Its proposed trust bank holds preliminary federal approval, but the Journal did not name which federal body granted it or the timeline for a final determination.

How much is the stake worth?

The Wall Street Journal did not disclose the financial value of the stake.