The RecordExhibit 82
A secret $500 million stake from a UAE spy chief, then AI chips
Alleged means: Serious, credible accusations of illegality that no court or watchdog has decided yet.
The Wall Street Journal revealed an entity backed by UAE national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bought 49% of the Trump family's World Liberty Financial for $500 million, signed four days before the inauguration and never disclosed.
What happened
About $187 million of the first payment went to Trump family entities and $31 million to entities tied to Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff's family. The administration later approved a framework letting the UAE buy hundreds of thousands of advanced AI chips a year, including for Tahnoon's company G42.
Where it stands
No ruling. On Feb. 5, 2026, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna opened an inquiry into the deal and wrote to World Liberty Financial asking for information about the $500 million investment. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Elissa Slotkin called for conflict-of-interest investigations.
The administration's side
World Liberty confirmed the deal and says neither Trump nor his family members hold any role as director, officer or employee. The White House says the president and his family have never had conflicts of interest.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/uae/