Trump-Backed Crypto Project Raises $550 Million — But Who Really Profits? | by Crypto Scope | The Capital | Mar, 2025

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the crypto venture associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump, has secured $550 million in its latest funding rounds. While WLFI claims to be building a decentralized finance (DeFi) powerhouse, critics are questioning whether this is a genuine financial innovation or a political cash machine.

WLFI’s first token sale in October 2024 raised $300 million, followed by an additional $250 million in a second round. More than 85,000 investors completed the Know Your Customer (KYC) process to participate, with funds coming from both U.S. and international markets.

While Trump is not directly involved in WLFI’s operations, he and his partners are set to receive 75% of the project’s net income — a staggering $390 million after expenses. This revenue is generated from WLFI token sales and the use of Trump’s name and image in promotional materials.

WLFI’s leadership claims that the project is on track to reshape global finance. According to co-founder Zach Witkoff, the funds raised will support innovative financial tools and expand partnerships with major blockchain firms, including Chainlink, Aave, Ondo Finance, and Sui. The company has also built a digital asset reserve, holding Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tron (TRX), and other tokens.

However, despite these ambitious claims, WLFI has not publicly disclosed specific details about its upcoming DeFi platform. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among analysts who question whether the project has a viable long-term vision or is primarily a fundraising mechanism.

WLFI’s rapid fundraising success has attracted attention beyond U.S. markets. Justin Sun, the founder of Tron, is already involved, and reports suggest that sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East and Asia could be among the investors. If WLFI’s growth depends heavily on international backers, questions may arise about its regulatory oversight and geopolitical implications.

The project has also drawn scrutiny due to Trump’s continued influence over its branding. His recent pro-crypto stance aligns with his broader political messaging, but some critics argue that WLFI’s revenue-sharing model benefits him and his associates more than its investors.

WLFI is positioning itself as a transformative force in DeFi, but its funding model, political associations, and lack of transparency make it one of the most controversial crypto projects in recent years. While its supporters argue that it represents the next phase of financial evolution, skeptics warn that it could follow the pattern of past speculative ventures that failed to deliver on their promises.

As WLFI prepares to launch its platform, investors and regulators will be watching closely to determine whether it truly delivers on its vision — or if it becomes another chapter in the ongoing intersection of politics and cryptocurrency.