- History and Key Milestones
- Ownership and Management
- Financing and Investment Initiatives
- Politics and Business
World Liberty Financial (WLF) is a decentralized finance (DeFi) project and crypto company founded in 2024. The initiative was launched with the active involvement of Donald Trump, his sons Eric and Donald Jr., and other family members. WLF is focused on shaping the crypto landscape with a particular emphasis on strengthening the role of the U.S. dollar within the global DeFi ecosystem. On Monday, September 1, the company announced that trading had begun for several digital tokens supporting the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial project.
From the start, WLF stood out because of its direct ties to the Trump family, sparking significant public and media attention. Investigative reporting highlighted how the project blurs the line between private family business and public interests—something without precedent in modern U.S. history. Legally, however, WLF is registered in Delaware, a long-standing hub for American corporate structures.
History and Key Milestones
The creation of World Liberty Financial was announced in September 2024. Just a month later, the company introduced its flagship cryptocurrency, the WLFI token. Early sales were modest—about $2.7 million by the end of October 2024. But following Trump’s victory in the November 2024 presidential election, both interest in and the value of the token surged dramatically.
In early 2025, WLF unveiled USD1, a U.S. dollar–pegged stablecoin backed by government bonds and other cash equivalents. The aim was to offer a more stable and practical crypto asset for users and investors.
During the spring and summer of 2025, WLF aggressively expanded partnerships and diversified its asset base, including acquiring a large position in the TRUMP memecoin—a move confirmed publicly by Eric Trump. High-profile investors also joined in, including Chinese billionaire Justin Sun, who became an advisor to the project and invested tens of millions of dollars.
Ownership and Management
Multiple sources confirm that control of World Liberty Financial rests with the Trump family and close associates. Roughly 60% of the company’s shares are held by Trump-owned entities, which also claim 75% of revenues from token sales. Donald Trump himself holds the title of Chief Crypto Advocate, while his sons serve as Web3 Ambassador and DeFi Visionary.
Operational management has been entrusted to partners from the family’s business network, including figures like Zach Vitkoff, son of a U.S. special envoy to the Middle East during the Trump administration, along with other prominent business leaders.
Financing and Investment Initiatives
By mid-2025, WLF began talks with investors to raise around $1.5 billion. The funds are intended to create a publicly traded entity that would hold WLFI tokens, making them accessible on traditional financial markets. This structure would allow a broader range of investors to speculate on the token’s value without directly owning digital assets.
The company’s treasury already includes significant holdings of ETH, wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), staked ETH (stETH), USDC, and other crypto assets—highlighting both diversification and the scale of its asset management strategy.
Politics and Business
World Liberty Financial has faced criticism over potential conflicts of interest between Trump’s private business dealings and his public role. Media outlets have suggested that the project leverages Trump’s influence to promote its assets and gain advantages. Investigations have also uncovered ties between the project and individuals under scrutiny or facing charges, as well as instances where financial activities may have intersected with political influence.
Even so, company representatives maintain that their operations are transparent, compliant with the law, and that managing crypto assets is simply standard business practice.
World Liberty Financial stands out as a prime example of a modern crypto enterprise with strong political overtones and global ambitions. The project reflects the intersection of traditional business, political power, and emerging digital finance technologies—shaping a unique picture of today’s DeFi market. The Trump family remains deeply involved and invested in the company’s growth, as it continues to expand its reach and initiatives within the crypto industry.
