Trump-Backed WLFI Set to Shake Up Finance With Upcoming Debit Card Launch

Trump-Backed World Liberty Financial to Launch Debit Card and Retail App Linked to USD1 Stablecoin

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a cryptocurrency venture supported by the Trump family, is preparing to roll out a debit card and mobile app that could redefine the intersection of digital assets and traditional payments. The announcement, made during Korea Blockchain Week 2025 in Seoul, signals a bold move into mainstream financial technology with ambitions that stretch far beyond the crypto community.

The debit card will be directly linked to WLFI’s USD1 stablecoin and integrated with Apple Pay, providing consumers with the ability to spend digital dollars seamlessly in everyday transactions. Alongside the card, a retail app described as a blend of “Venmo meets Robinhood” will offer a combination of peer-to-peer payments and simplified investment features.

Source: X

For the Trump-backed venture, this represents not only a step into consumer finance but also a broader attempt to bridge the worlds of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi).

A High-Profile Launch

The official announcement came from WLFI co-founder Zak Folkman during Eastpoint Seoul, a major Web3 conference that drew more than 7,000 participants. In his keynote, Folkman underscored the vision behind WLFI: to bring speed, convenience, and accessibility to digital finance, values the team believes will drive mainstream adoption of stablecoins.

“The architecture of money is evolving,” Folkman told attendees. “World Liberty is committed to creating tools that feel as easy as today’s payment apps, while giving users access to the new world of blockchain-based finance.”

By tying its debit card to both USD1 stablecoin and Apple Pay, WLFI hopes to blur the lines between crypto and conventional finance, allowing people to spend digital assets in coffee shops, grocery stores, and online retailers without friction.

WLFI Token and Financial Backing

At the heart of the project lies the WLFI token. The Trump family holds a majority stake in both the token and the company itself, maintaining a 60 percent ownership share. Since its inception, the project has raised more than $550 million and generated approximately $400 million in fees.

Source: X

However, the WLFI token has not been free from challenges. Since its launch, the token has displayed high volatility, leading some analysts to question its stability and long-term viability. Concerns have also been raised about governance. While WLFI markets itself as a DeFi-inspired venture, critics point out that the project’s decision-making is heavily centralized and its governance tokens are not publicly tradeable, raising doubts about its decentralized credentials.

Partnership With Bithumb: Expanding in Asia

One of the most notable developments tied to the debit card launch is WLFI’s partnership with Bithumb, one of South Korea’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. A recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bithumb provides WLFI with a foothold in the $10 billion South Korean crypto market.

Through this collaboration, WLFI aims to leverage Bithumb’s expertise in local compliance, infrastructure, and user behavior. Observers say this could help the company expand across Asia, where crypto adoption remains robust despite global regulatory uncertainty.

Source: X

“South Korea is one of the most dynamic crypto markets in the world,” Folkman noted. “By partnering with Bithumb, WLFI will be able to accelerate its growth and integrate into one of the most forward-thinking digital finance ecosystems.”

Challenges and Criticisms

While the Trump family’s involvement brings a level of political and media attention few crypto projects can match, WLFI has also faced skepticism. Critics highlight several red flags, including the centralized governance model and questions about transparency.

Additionally, security remains a sore point. Folkman, one of WLFI’s co-founders, previously launched Dough Finance, a DeFi protocol that was hacked and lost $2 million. That history has left some in the crypto community wary of whether WLFI’s systems are resilient enough to protect user funds.

Beyond technical concerns, users have expressed unease over reports of potential wallet blacklists and the ongoing volatility of the WLFI token. These issues could limit adoption if consumers fear restrictions or unpredictable swings in value.

Economic Backdrop Adds Urgency

The timing of WLFI’s push into consumer payments coincides with larger shifts in the global economy. In the United States, job growth has slowed while inflationary pressures continue to weigh on households. Meanwhile, gold prices have surged by more than 90 percent this year, underscoring investor appetite for alternative assets.

Stablecoins like WLFI’s USD1 may appeal to consumers seeking a digital alternative to the U.S. dollar that promises stability and transparency. According to WLFI, the USD1 coin will be fully audited to build user trust and credibility.

“People want financial tools that feel stable, transparent, and easy to use,” said a spokesperson for WLFI. “Our goal is to deliver a stablecoin ecosystem that can serve both individual users and institutional partners.”

A Trump-Branded Push Into Mainstream Finance

World Liberty Financial is no ordinary crypto project. Backed by one of the most recognizable names in American politics, it has access to media attention and investor networks that other ventures can only dream of. Supporters argue that this gives WLFI an unparalleled platform to accelerate crypto adoption in the United States and abroad.

The company has also attracted backing from high-profile investors, including Tron founder Justin Sun. With institutional support and political branding, WLFI hopes to position itself as a leading player in the next phase of digital finance.

However, detractors caution that political involvement can be a double-edged sword. While the Trump brand ensures visibility, it may also inject partisanship into a space that has traditionally marketed itself as borderless and neutral.

The Road Ahead

As WLFI prepares to launch its debit card and retail app, the crypto industry will be watching closely. If successful, the project could demonstrate how digital assets can integrate seamlessly into existing financial infrastructure. By offering users a way to spend stablecoins at point-of-sale terminals worldwide, WLFI could help bridge the gap between blockchain innovation and mainstream adoption.

Yet challenges remain. Volatility, governance, and trust issues could slow adoption, particularly among users already skeptical of crypto projects. The company’s ability to deliver on its promises—audited stablecoins, user-friendly apps, and secure infrastructure—will ultimately determine whether WLFI becomes a mainstream success or another cautionary tale.

Conclusion

The launch of World Liberty Financial’s debit card and retail app marks a significant moment in the evolving relationship between crypto and consumer finance. With backing from the Trump family, partnerships with global players like Bithumb, and integration with Apple Pay, the project represents a bold attempt to bring stablecoins into everyday life.

Still, skepticism remains over its centralized governance model and the volatility of its token. As with many ambitious crypto ventures, WLFI faces the dual challenge of winning trust while scaling its vision.

For now, all eyes are on the company’s next moves. If it can deliver a seamless, secure, and reliable product, WLFI may prove to be a watershed moment for digital finance—one that redefines how the world views the role of stablecoins in everyday transactions.

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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