Haciyev Reşit 
Cryptocurrencies have once again become a major topic in U.S. politics. Democratic members of the Senate have intensified pressure on Steve Witkoff, senior adviser and special envoy to President Donald Trump. Democrats have formally called on Witkoff to divest his $120 million stake in World Liberty Financial (WLFI) and to disclose all his crypto holdings due to potential conflicts of interest.
This demand stems from allegations that the Witkoff family is connected to a $2 billion investment from UAE-backed MGX, which was reportedly channeled into the USD1 stablecoin via Binance.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Violation Allegations
Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley argue that Witkoff’s family business ties to the WLFI project during his tenure as Middle East envoy represent a serious conflict of interest. They claim that Witkoff violated federal ethics rules by failing to disclose his crypto investments and not divesting his holdings while in office.
“When a public official’s financial interests intersect so directly with the nation’s foreign affairs, it poses a serious ethical concern.”
— Senator Elizabeth Warren
According to the Democrats, Witkoff’s continued $120 million stake in WLF raises the risk of indirect influence over government decisions and creates national security concerns.
UAE Connections and Binance Transactions
According to allegations, the Witkoff family established close ties with UAE-based financial circles in early 2025, and Zach Witkoff, Steve Witkoff’s son, personally led negotiations between WLFI and Binance. During this process, a $2 billion investment from MGX, a UAE-backed firm, was reportedly secured through the USD1 stablecoin.
These transactions had previously been reviewed by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, but the new Senate inquiry has brought the matter back into focus. Analysts warn that this renewed investigation could delay WLFI’s operations and directly impact its stablecoin projects.
“WLF’s relationship with Binance will be tested — not only in terms of investor transparency but also in defining the boundaries of foreign financial influence.”
— Congressional Advisor
GENIUS Act Debate Intensifies
The controversy emerges at a critical time, as Congress continues to debate the GENIUS Act, a bill designed to ease crypto regulations in the U.S.
Democrats fear that the Witkoff family and Trump’s inner circle could profit indirectly from foreign state-backed investments under the proposed legislation.
The vote on the GENIUS Act may now be delayed due to the ongoing ethics investigation. Experts warn that the situation could deepen political uncertainty surrounding crypto finance in the U.S. and undermine investor confidence.
“Unless ethical transparency is ensured in the crypto sector, political influences will continue to amplify market volatility.”
— Crypto Policy Analyst
Political Pressure Reflects on the Crypto Market
This development has once again raised political risk concerns in the crypto market. Trump’s pro-crypto stance, contrasted with investigations targeting his advisers, suggests that political scrutiny could directly affect market confidence and regulatory expectations.
Analysts note that the increased pressure from Democrats may lead to a tightening of the U.S. regulatory framework, creating uncertainty for crypto companies and investors alike.
Reassessing the Crypto–Politics Connection
The Senate Democrats’ demand that Steve Witkoff divest his $120 million stake and disclose his crypto holdings has reignited debate over the ethical risks of intertwining cryptocurrency and politics in the United States.
According to experts, the outcome of this investigation will not only determine the future of the WLFI project, but could also influence stablecoin market liquidity and the legislative trajectory of the GENIUS Act. As investors closely monitor the congressional hearings, transparency and ethical compliance are being emphasized as crucial for rebuilding trust in the crypto market.
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