The Trump family has dramatically cut its ownership in a major cryptocurrency venture. Their company sold 20% of World Liberty Financial (WLF) within days. This move sparks intense questions about presidential finances. It also coincides with crucial crypto legislation advancing in Congress. According to a Forbes report published Thursday, DT Marks DeFi LLC reduced its WLF stake. This umbrella company represents Donald Trump and his relatives. Their ownership plummeted from 60% to just 40% after June 8th. This marks the second significant sell-off recently.
Retreat from Crypto Platform
DT Marks DeFi LLC previously held a commanding 75% stake last December. By January, WLF’s own website showed ownership dropping to about 60%. Therefore, the family has relinquished over one-third control in six months. Forbes confirmed the latest reduction occurred within the past 11 days. The company quietly updated its website without fanfare. This secrecy fuels widespread speculation about their motives.
Potential Millions in Profits
Forbes analysts estimate this 20% sale could net around $190 million. Donald Trump personally might receive $135 million. This valuation compares WLF to stablecoin issuer Circle. Circle’s stock soared after its June 5th public offering. Furthermore, Trump already earned $57.4 million from WLF token sales last year. WLF raised over $550 million through public token offerings by March. Sales surged notably around Trump’s January inauguration.
Regulation Push and Stablecoin Launch
This divestment happens amid growing scrutiny. US lawmakers demand investigations into Trump’s crypto ties. Congress is debating the GENIUS Act. This legislation aims to regulate payment stablecoins nationally. The Senate passed the bill last week with bipartisan backing. However, its House future remains uncertain. President Trump urged House passage “ASAP” via social media Wednesday. WLF launched its USD1 stablecoin in March. An Abu Dhabi firm pledged $2 billion using USD1 for Binance investments. USD1 now holds a $2.19 billion market cap.
Lingering Secrecy and Ethics Concerns
Neither the Trump Organisation nor WLF commented on the sale. Key details remain completely hidden. The buyer of the 20% stake is unknown. Officials haven’t clarified if cash changed hands. A court-appointed monitor knew about potential sales plans earlier.
Nevertheless, specifics were never disclosed. Critics persistently highlight conflict-of-interest risks. WLF’s centralised control contradicts its “DeFi” branding. The Trump family received 75% of token sale proceeds previously. Representative Maxine Waters proposed the “Stop Trump in Crypto Act.” However, that legislation stalled. The pending CLARITY Act addresses ethics concerns directly.
WLF, backed significantly by Trump since 2024, faces ongoing controversy. Its international connections also raise eyebrows. Investor Justin Sun, involved in a paused SEC lawsuit, put in $75 million. The Abu Dhabi deal and Tron token holdings complicate its profile. Despite massive fundraising, WLF operates with a tiny team. It still hasn’t launched a public platform. This latest ownership shift leaves many demanding transparency. The American public deserves answers about presidential finances.
Written By Fazal Ul Vahab CH