Catenaa, Monday, February 16, 2026- Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim on Friday called on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to determine whether a reported $500 million UAE-linked investment in World Liberty Financial should undergo a national security review.
In a letter, the senators asked whether the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has examined the transaction or advised President Donald Trump. They set a March 5 deadline for a response.
The request follows a Wall Street Journal report that Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence firm G42 acquired a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial days before Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. The deal was reportedly executed through Aryam Investment 1 and signed by Eric Trump.
According to the report, $250 million was paid upfront, with large portions directed to Trump family entities and affiliates of Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy and a co-founder of the firm. Trump has denied knowledge of the investment. A company spokesperson has said neither Trump nor Witkoff was involved in the UAE transaction.
Warren and Kim argued that CFIUS has authority to review foreign investments that could expose sensitive technology or user data. They cited intelligence concerns about G42’s past ties to Chinese firms.
Rep. Ro Khanna has opened a separate inquiry into whether the investment influenced U.S. policy on advanced AI chip exports. World Liberty Financial operates the USD1 stablecoin and has applied for a national trust bank charter.
