Trump-linked crypto venture faces price drop on market debut

World Liberty token, launched by the Trump family, opened trading above $0.30 but slid 12% to $0.246 by 1840 GMT, giving it a market capitalization just under $7 billion and ranking 31st among cryptocurrencies

The cryptocurrency tokens tied to the Trump family’s venture, World Liberty Financial, opened for trading on Monday (September 1) but quickly lost value on their first day. The digital asset, known as $WLFI, was introduced last year as part of a decentralized finance initiative that also includes a stablecoin.

World Liberty had restricted early token holders from immediate trading, instead granting voting rights on changes to the platform’s operations and code. In July, investors approved a measure to make the tokens tradable, setting the stage for Monday’s market entry. Early backers are allowed to sell up to 20% of their holdings, according to the company.

Market debut and valuation

The token began trading at over $0.30 before falling to $0.246 by 1840 GMT, representing a 12% decline from its initial price, data from CoinGecko showed. The drop placed the total market value of $WLFI just under $7 billion, ranking it the 31st largest cryptocurrency in circulation.

Major exchanges including Binance, OKX, and Bybit listed the asset, broadening its visibility to global traders. Despite the early decline, the launch drew attention across the digital asset market given the Trump family’s association with the project.

Since its introduction in 2023, World Liberty Financial has reportedly generated about $500 million for the Trump family and its partners, according to estimates based on corporate disclosures and blockchain analysis. Investors were initially drawn by the tokens’ high-profile political backing and expectations of future appreciation.

Controversy over political links

The project has not been free of scrutiny. Democratic lawmakers and ethics experts have argued that the Trump family’s involvement in cryptocurrency ventures raises potential conflicts of interest, especially as regulatory rules around digital assets remain under review.

The White House has maintained that Donald Trump’s financial interests are placed in a trust managed by his children and that no conflicts exist. Still, critics point to the intersection of politics, regulation, and business as a continuing source of concern for the venture.

For investors, the debut has underscored both the risks and speculative potential of a politically connected digital currency, as trading volume and price movements continue to draw close market attention.