- WLFI used the White House UFC Freedom 250 event to promote its USD1 stablecoin to millions of fans.
- Fighters received record bonus payouts in USD1, boosting visibility and adoption of the token.
- Lawmakers are examining WLFI’s foreign ties and potential conflicts involving Trump-linked interests.
President Donald Trump’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial (WLFI), used the White House-hosted UFC Freedom 250 event to promote the USD1 stablecoin. Fighter bonus payouts were in USD1, putting the token in front of millions of UFC fans.
The event took place on June 14, which is Trump’s birthday, on the South Lawn of the White House. World Liberty Financial was the presenting sponsor and contributed $250,000 in USD1 to the Performance of the Night bonus pool. As a result, each winner received $425,000.
Separately, Crypto.com sponsored the Fight of the Night awards, raising those payouts to $400,000 each. In total, fighters competed for about $1.65 million in bonuses, a record for a UFC event.
White House Event Puts USD1 in the Spotlight
The use of USD1 at a White House event gave the stablecoin significant exposure.
Todd Phillips, a crypto policy expert at the Klaros Group, said paying fighters in USD1 has the same economic effect as paying them in dollars. However, publicly highlighting the stablecoin payments effectively advertises the token and links it to both the UFC and the White House.
World Liberty Financial announced its UFC Freedom 250 sponsorship only days before the event. UFC later confirmed that the Performance of the Night bonuses would be paid in USD1.
The promotion comes as World Liberty Financial seeks wider adoption of the stablecoin. Launched in March 2025, USD1 has grown to a market capitalization of more than $5 billion. The token operates on several blockchains, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, TRON, and Solana.
Congress Examines Foreign Ties
The event also came as lawmakers continue to examine World Liberty Financial’s ownership structure and foreign connections.
Reports indicate that a United Arab Emirates firm linked to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan acquired a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial for $500 million. Another company tied to Tahnoon later used USD1 to settle a $2 billion investment in Binance.
These developments prompted a congressional investigation into possible conflicts of interest and national security concerns. The inquiry concerned the implications of a foreign-state official holding a stake in a crypto company co-founded by a sitting U.S. president.
Major Source of Trump Family Wealth
World Liberty Financial was co-founded in 2024 by Trump, his sons, and Steve Witkoff’s family, Trump’s longtime friend.
At one point, the company listed Trump as its “Chief Crypto Advocate.” Financial disclosures reportedly show that his stake in World Liberty Financial is worth more than $50 million.
Reuters recently reported that the Trump family’s crypto ventures, led by World Liberty Financial, have generated billions of dollars in paper gains. They have also become one of the largest sources of wealth tied to Trump and his family.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle has dismissed conflict-of-interest concerns, saying Trump’s assets are in a trust managed by his children.
Related: Trump Crypto Ventures Net $2.3B as Investors Lose Big
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