Trump-backed DeFi Platform Eyes Crypto Asset Reserve

World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance (DeFi) initiative linked to Donald Trump, is evaluating establishing a strategic digital asset reserve. 

Co-founder Chase Herro disclosed this initiative during the Ondo Finance Summit in New York. The revelation follows the platform’s recent acquisition of ONDO tokens. 

However, Herro did not specify the intended purpose of the reserve. This development aligns with Trump’s recent executive directive, which calls for assessing the feasibility of creating a digital asset stockpile.

Significant Token Acquisitions

World Liberty Financial has ramped up its token purchases, including a $470,000 ONDO acquisition on the same day as the Ondo Finance Summit. Moreover, the platform recently obtained tens of millions of dollars in Ethereum following a cryptocurrency market downturn linked to temporary U.S. tariff measures on Mexico and Canada.

While World Liberty Financial is branded as a DeFi lending platform, it has yet to launch operational services and remains largely focused on acquiring digital assets.

At the Jazz Lincoln Center venue, Donald Trump Jr. underscored the Trump administration’s dedication to the digital asset industry. He interacted with attendees eager to learn about World Liberty Financial’s direction.

He was introduced by the project’s co-founders, including Zak Folkman and Zach Witkoff. Notably, Witkoff is the son of Steve Witkoff, a longtime Trump associate recently appointed as the administration’s Middle East envoy.

Crypto Regulation and Governmental Engagement

Regulatory discussions at the Ondo Finance Summit featured prominent policymakers and financial experts who shared insights into the evolving landscape of digital assets. House Financial Services Committee Chair Patrick McHenry, acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham, and former Chair J. Christopher Giancarlo were among the speakers.

Conversations addressed tokenization, legislative developments, and the Trump administration’s approach to cryptocurrency policies. Giancarlo pointed out the administration’s shift from overturning previous regulations to implementing new frameworks.

Meanwhile, David Sacks, Trump’s lead on crypto policy, previously elaborated on the administration’s focus areas. They include Bitcoin’s role as a store of value, blockchain-driven innovation, and stablecoins’ potential to bolster the U.S. dollar’s demand.

He also reaffirmed that a working group, established under Trump’s directive, is analyzing the viability of a Bitcoin reserve or digital asset stockpile. Additionally, congressional leaders announced the formation of a crypto-focused working group within the Senate and House, initially prioritizing stablecoin regulation.