UFC Fighters Received Bonuses in Trump Family Stablecoin at White House Event
Winners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn reportedly received their bonuses in USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial. This cryptocurrency business is linked to the Trump family. An ethics expert indicated that while such a payment arrangement could be deemed illegal for most federal officials, the President benefits from specific exemptions under federal conflict-of-interest statutes. The situation has drawn attention to how these presidential exemptions may affect the distinction between public office and private financial interests.
Fighters who won at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 spectacle on the White House South Lawn were reportedly paid their bonuses in USD1. USD1 is a type of stablecoin operated by World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency business founded by members of the Trump family and close business associates.
Richard Painter, a former chief White House ethics lawyer during the George W. Bush administration, stated that this arrangement could be considered illegal for most federal officials and potentially a crime. He noted that federal criminal statute 18 U.S.C. § 208 typically bars executive branch employees from participating in official matters that significantly impact their own financial interests or those of close associates.
However, the President, Vice President, and members of Congress are exempt from this particular statute. This exemption allows the President to engage in events featuring World Liberty Financial, which issues USD1. According to its "gold paper," World Liberty Financial was founded in 2024 by Trump, his three sons, and Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and his two sons, although Trump and Witkoff were later removed from the listed team after taking office.
Despite stepping back from the company’s formal governance, Trump's most recent financial disclosure shows he has earned over $57.3 million from sales of World Liberty’s governance token. USD1, launched in 2025, is backed by cash, U.S. Treasuries, and other cash equivalents. The stablecoin reportedly circulates in the billions of dollars, generating tens of millions annually for World Liberty from interest on its reserves.
UFC did not immediately respond to questions regarding which fighters received USD1 payouts or the amounts. Similarly, the White House did not immediately comment on whether potential conflicts of interest had been evaluated concerning the use of a Trump-linked stablecoin at the event.
According to Fortune, this arrangement exposes how presidential exemptions from key ethics rules may blur the line between public duty and private profit.
