Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) has accused President Trump of “potentially criminal conduct” regarding a $500 million crypto-linked investment from a UAE-backed entity. This development complicates ongoing negotiations for major cryptocurrency legislation, including the CLARITY Act, which involves major crypto firms and focuses on stablecoin regulations.
A fresh UAE investment controversy has ensnared President Trump‘s family businesses and could derail cryptocurrency legislation. Senator Chris Murphy alleged on the Senate floor that the UAE funneled approximately $187 million to Trump family entities shortly before his inauguration. The deal involved Aryam Investment purchasing 49% of World Liberty Financial days prior to the start of the administration.
Murphy stated this represented “brazen, open corruption” and potentially criminal conduct. The funds arrived before the Trump administration granted the UAE expanded access to advanced AI chips. A White House meeting with companies like Ripple, Coinbase, and Circle was held the same day to discuss the CLARITY Act.
According to reports, no deal on stablecoin provisions was reached, but a February deadline was set. Murphy warned that “the rule of law is coming back” and those involved “are going to jail.” The company strongly denied any connection to policy actions, calling the claims “100% false.”
This political battle threatens the crypto market structure bill meant to provide regulatory clarity. Democrats seek to add anti-corruption provisions targeting Trump’s crypto ventures. Meanwhile, major banking interests remain focused on the stablecoin yield debate as a deal breaker.

