Shareholder Sues Trump and World Liberty Financial Over Abu Dhabi Investments

A shareholder of Circle has taken the Trump family’s crypto business to federal court in Washington, arguing that money from the United Arab Emirates broke the Constitution’s ban on federal officeholders taking payments from foreign officials without congressional approval. J. Benjamin Greenberg, who once worked at Circle, filed the case on Thursday on the company’s behalf. Circle says it had no part in it. Defendants include President Donald Trump, World Liberty Financial, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and four affiliated companies.

How the Sheikh Tahnoon Deals Are Described

The complaint focuses on Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security advisor, often nicknamed the Spy Sheikh. Shortly before Trump took office in January 2025, a company tied to him agreed to pay $500 million for 49% of World Liberty. The firm says Trump played no role, yet his disclosures show he later received millions. The suit adds that an Abu Dhabi fund Tahnoon chairs bought $2 billion of the USD1 stablecoin to boost the worth of Trump’s holdings.

What the Plaintiff Wants and How Others Responded

Greenberg wants a ruling that the profits are unconstitutional, a full account of any other foreign crypto payments, and repayment of illegal gains. His lawyer, Matt Pelikan, said the goal is to return the money to taxpayers. World Liberty spokesperson David Wachsman rejected the claims and said no one at the company works for the government. The White House and Witkoff’s office did not reply right away. Trump reported over $1.4 billion in crypto income for 2025, nearly $800 million from World Liberty, while the WLFI token dropped from about 45 cents to roughly 5 cents. The administration later widened UAE access to advanced AI chips, including for G42.