Key facts
- Senator Elizabeth Warren has requested an investigation into World Liberty Financial (WLF), a crypto firm partially owned by the Trump family.
- Warren cited national security risks and concerns about illicit finance in her request.
- The firm's $WLFI token was launched by Trump in September 2024.
- A businessman investigated for money laundering, Guren "Bobby" Zhou, made a $100 million WLF purchase through his company, Aqua 1.
- Warren previously requested an investigation into WLF in November 2025 and May 2026.
- Warren asked Bessent and Blanche for written answers regarding steps taken to investigate perceived national security risks and the source of funds for WLF token purchases.
Senator Elizabeth Warren has formally requested that Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Attorney General Todd Blance investigate World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency firm with ties to the Trump family. Warren expressed concerns that the company poses a national security risk due to its connections to individuals and entities allegedly involved in illicit finance.
In a letter dated Tuesday, Warren highlighted a $100 million purchase of WLF tokens by Aqua 1, a company linked to businessman Guren "Bobby" Zhou, who has reportedly been investigated for money laundering. Warren noted that Aqua 1's registration in the UAE is unclear and that its website provides minimal information about its leadership or financial backers.
This is not the first time Warren has raised concerns about WLF. She previously called for an investigation in November 2025 after reports indicated that WLF had sold tokens to buyers doing business with North Korean state-sponsored hackers and sanctioned Russian money-laundering entities. She reiterated this call in May 2026.
Warren's letter comes as the Senate failed to pass the Clarity Act, a significant piece of crypto legislation, in a procedural vote on Tuesday. The bill's failure was seen as a setback for the digital asset industry. Bitcoin fell 3% following the vote.
Warren has previously argued for barring White House and congressional officials from trading crypto and has voiced concerns about crypto bills championed by Republican politicians.