Trump Paid UFC Fighters in His Stablecoin Despite Probe Over UAE Ties

President Trump's crypto venture World Liberty Financial paid $250,000 in USD1 stablecoin bonuses to UFC fighters on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14. The event looked like a sports sponsorship. The company behind the stablecoin carries a story that goes well beyond prize money.

World Liberty Financial is a decentralized finance platform Trump launched last year. It issues the USD1 stablecoin, a token pegged to the U.S. dollar and designed for payments and settlement. Paying UFC fighters in USD1 puts the stablecoin in the hands of a high-profile audience. It also draws attention to the venture's ties to the United Arab Emirates. Media reports have surfaced detailing a probe into those UAE connections, raising questions about ethics and potential conflicts of interest in the Trump business orbit.

The probe reportedly examines whether World Liberty Financial's operations in the UAE complied with U.S. laws and whether any foreign funds flowed into the venture. Trump's business history with the UAE runs deep, from real estate deals to golf courses. The stablecoin payment to UFC fighters, made on White House grounds, blurs the line between presidential activities and personal business ventures. That line has drawn scrutiny from congressional Democrats and ethics watchdogs.

The choice of stablecoin matters. USD1 is not a well-known token outside crypto circles. World Liberty Financial uses it to promote its own platform. Paying UFC fighters – a group with a massive social media following – could drive adoption among fans who might not otherwise engage with digital assets. Critics argue the event functioned as a promotional stunt for the venture, using the White House as a backdrop.