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Democratic senators have called for investigations into alleged ethics violations by officials in the Trump administration. These concerns were highlighted by multi-billion-dollar deals involving the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the approval of imports of artificial intelligence chips designed in the United States. The deals have been reported to have raised concerns about potential threats to US security due to the UAE's relationship with China.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Elissa Slotkin directed inspectors general at the Commerce and State Departments to examine the transactions. They emphasized that the agreements could damage national interests if personal economic interests drove decisions. Their request comes after a New York Times report that drew a connection between the chip exports and the cryptocurrency ventures of Trump aides.
At the center of the probe is Mr. Witkoff, a White House adviser who promoted the UAE chip exports. At the same time, his family business, World Liberty Financial (WLFI), received substantial investments in cryptocurrencies. Reports estimate the value of the Witkoff family's stake in WLFI at nearly $800 million. The overlapping interests of policy advocacy and private business interests have attracted the sharp attention of lawmakers.
Another figure coming under fire is David Sacks, a White House adviser and venture capitalist. He participated in the negotiations over chip sales while holding private investment interests. Although he was granted an ethics waiver to participate, critics argue that his dual roles raise concerns about transparency and propriety.
The White House said that both Witkoff and Sacks are working with ethics officials to bring them into compliance with federal rules. However, Democratic leaders believe that the mixing of business interests and national security decisions creates a severe ethical dilemma. Senator Chris Van Hollen has been seeking transparency through his seat on a panel that oversees Commerce Department funds.
Additionally, several Democratic congressmen are investigating whether Sacks broke rules for exceptional government employees. Lawmakers argue that the blending of personal financial interests and foreign policy has the potential to erode public trust. The investigation highlights larger issues surrounding the Trump administration's handling of cryptocurrency regulations and sensitive technology exports.
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