Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a stunning development, a cryptocurrency agreement involving the Trump family has surfaced just five days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The deal, signed on April 26, 2025, between the Pakistan government and the US-based company World Liberty Financial (WLF), has sparked intense debate over Donald Trump’s alleged vested interests in the region.
The Pahalgam incident, which occurred on April 22, saw Hindu tourists attacked and killed in a suspected targeted operation. Intelligence reports suggest approval for the attack may have come from Pakistan’s military leadership. Yet, instead of heightened tensions, a lucrative crypto collaboration emerged shortly after.
At the heart of the controversy lies WLF — a decentralized finance platform in which the Trump family holds a 60% stake through DT Marks DEFI LLC. Former President Trump is listed as the firm’s “Chief Crypto Advocate,” while his sons, Eric and Donald Jr., serve as “Web3 Ambassadors.” Even Barron Trump is named a “DeFi Visionary.” The Trump family’s financial vehicle is entitled to 75% of token-sale revenue.
Pakistan’s crypto pivot raises eyebrows
The deal was formalized by Pakistan’s newly-formed Crypto Council, which appointed Binance founder Changpeng Zhao as an advisor. The council aims to establish Pakistan as the crypto capital of South Asia. During the WLF delegation’s visit, representatives met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and other senior officials.
Notably, Zachary Witkoff, son of Trump’s close associate Steve Witkoff, was part of the delegation and received special honors in Islamabad. The optics of this visit, especially in the aftermath of a terror attack, have drawn criticism.
Trump’s mediation role under scrutiny
Simultaneously, Trump has shifted his stance on the India-Pakistan conflict. Despite earlier statements indicating neutrality, his team is now portraying him as a peace broker. This shift coincides with WLF’s business expansion in Pakistan and raises critical questions: Is Trump using his geopolitical clout to protect financial interests? Did he step in diplomatically to shield Pakistan during Operation Sindoor — India’s reported series of precision strikes on Pakistani airbases?
Operation Sindoor was India’s strongest response in years to cross-border terror. Yet, Trump’s sudden diplomatic overtures and the timing of the WLF deal suggest potential overlap between personal business and international mediation.
The financial trail and international implications
WLF raised $300 million in October 2024 through WLFI token sales and now plans to launch a new stablecoin, USD1. It has also secured a $2 billion investment from a government-owned Abu Dhabi firm — further cementing the Trump family’s deep financial entanglements across strategic regions.
As Trump eyes another run at the US presidency, the ethical implications of these deals loom large. Critics argue this blend of business and diplomacy threatens both transparency and national interest. Meanwhile, India remains wary of any covert shielding of Pakistan under the guise of peace talks.
Conclusion
With the Trump family’s financial ties now embedded in Pakistan’s emerging crypto framework, and with Trump positioning himself as a mediator in the volatile India-Pakistan standoff, questions about conflict of interest are intensifying. The Trump Pakistan crypto deal may be the latest example of blurred lines between public diplomacy and private gain.
