Meet the Top 101 in Crypto
Investing
Complexity Icon Easy
11 min read

10 Reasons World Liberty Financial (WLF) Is Dominating Headlines This Week

Last Updated 08 September 2025
Giuseppe Ciccomascolo
Authors

Key Takeaways

  • WLFI’s debut was marred by wallet freezes, phishing exploits, and whales losing millions, shaking investor confidence.
  • The Trump family scored a paper gain of $5B+ from WLFI’s launch, even as regular holders struggled with volatility.
  • USD1, WLFI’s dollar-pegged token, expanded fast — now on Solana and set to trade in South Korea’s Coinone KRW market.
  • From blacklist defenses to scam warnings, WLFI insists it’s “protecting users,” but critics see centralization risks.

World Liberty Financial (WLF) is making headlines again this week, and it’s nothing short of explosive. 

From the long-awaited WLFI token trading launch to billion-dollar stablecoin deals, market chaos, and even diplomatic tension, the Trump-backed crypto empire is moving fast, and investors are scrambling to keep up.

In this week’s World Liberty Financial Watch, you’ll learn the top 10 things you need to know. Everything from Justin Sun’s wallet blacklisting and futures market volatility to WLFI-related scams and political fallout. 

Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, investor, or just curious about how WLF is shaking up the financial world, these are the updates you cannot afford to miss.

1. WLFI Token Trading Launched on September 1

The highly anticipated WLFI token from World Liberty Financial (WLF) was launched on September 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the DeFi space. With backing from the Trump family, WLFI has garnered attention for its ambitious goals and potential market impact.

Try Our Recommended Crypto Exchanges
Sponsored
Disclosure
Opened in 2018
Promotions
Deposit $100, Get an Extra $300 in GOLD!
Coins
Shiba Inu Bitcoin PAX Gold Ampleforth Ethereum +70
Promotions
Receive up to $100,000 worth of exclusive gifts for newcomers upon registration.
Coins
Bitcoin Ethereum Tether USD Coin Solana +76
Opened in 2017
Promotions
Experience a 1-minute swap on a non-custodial platform.
Coins
Bitcoin Ethereum Tether Build'N'Build USD Coin +217
Show More

Key Points:

  • Launch date: Sept. 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM UTC.
  • Initial unlock: For early backers who participated in the $0.015 and $0.05 funding rounds, 20% of the total token supply was unlocked.
  • Trading platforms: WLFI is available on major exchanges, including Binance. Futures pricing the token at approximately $0.42 implies a fully diluted valuation (FDV) of around $40 billion.
  • Investor considerations: While the potential for high returns exists, investors should be aware of the associated risks, including market volatility and the project’s political affiliations, which may influence its reception and regulatory scrutiny.

Now all eyes are on WLFI to see if it can deliver on its promises and establish itself as a significant player in the DeFi ecosystem.

2. Polygon Developer Slams WLFI as “Scam of All Scams”

A Polygon developer, whose wallet was blacklisted by World Liberty Financial, blasted the project as a centralised “new-age mafia” that “stole my money.”

  • Developer’s wallet flagged “high risk” and tokens not released.
  • On X: “TLDR is, they stole my money… the new-age mafia” 
  • The incident raises serious questions about trust and fairness in WLFI’s decentralization claims.

3. Justin Sun Claims His WLFI Tokens Were “Unreasonably Frozen”

TRON founder and major WLFI backer Justin Sun revealed that approximately $75 million worth of his WLFI tokens were unexpectedly frozen.

  • Sun publicly called the freeze “unreasonable,” urging WLFI to unlock his tokens.
  • Reports tie the token freezes to potentially suspicious exchange behavior, raising alarm over nearly $2.9 billion in assets.
  • WLFI has not yet responded to his appeals.

4. Bullish Rebound? WLFI Token Jumps 30% from Lows

After tumbling, WLFI bounced 30% to about $0.24 before slipping back, signaling possible recovery momentum.

  • Price recovered from lows; short-lived rally remains tentative.
  • Still trading well below its peak, with downtrend still intact.

5. Trump Family Gains $5 Billion Paper Windfall from WLFI Launch

WLFI’s trading debut generated approximately $5 billion in paper wealth for the Trump family.

  • Trump & family holdings now valued at several billion, outpacing real estate portfolios.
  • Based on 22.5B tokens and trading prices ($0.23), locked assets are now incredibly valuable.
  • Trying to offload a multi-billion-dollar WLFI stake into a market that only handled a few billion in volume on launch day would crash prices long before realizing those paper gains.
  • Future token release schedules add constant supply pressure; unless demand keeps pace, each vesting event risks fresh downward momentum.

6. USD1 Stablecoin Launches on Solana

WLFI officially launched its USD1 stablecoin on Solana, minting 100 million tokens and instantly integrating into DeFi.

  • USD1 minted on Solana for speed and scale.
  • Stablecoin is already integrated with Raydium, Kamino Finance, and other protocols.
  • USD1 achieves multi-billion dollar market cap rapidly, fueling institutional and ecosystem interest.

7. Hackers Exploit “Classic EIP-7702” to Drain WLFI Tokens

World Liberty Financial’s (WLFI) governance token launch is being shadowed by a wave of phishing exploits. According to SlowMist founder Yu Xian, hackers are abusing Ethereum’s new EIP-7702 upgrade to pre-plant malicious contracts in wallets, allowing them to “snatch” WLFI tokens the moment they arrive.

  • Attack vector: Hackers exploit EIP-7702, which lets wallets act like smart contracts; combined with leaked private keys, attackers hijack execution rights.
  • Real cases: Users report losing WLFI immediately after deposits — even gas fees sent for transfers were siphoned.
  • Community impact: Victims on WLFI forums describe “races against hackers” to salvage tokens, with some still trapped in compromised wallets.
  • Scam surge: Analysts identified multiple clone contracts and phishing schemes targeting WLFI’s presale and unlock process.
  • Warnings issued: WLFI team stressed it never uses DMs for support and urged holders to rely only on official channels.
  • Mitigation advice: Xian suggests replacing ambushed delegate contracts and moving funds to secure wallets as fast as possible.

8. Whales Lose Millions on WLFI’s 40% Post-Launch Dip

Despite a 47 million token burn aimed at propping up prices, World Liberty Financial’s (WLFI) governance token has slumped more than 40% since launch, leaving large investors nursing millions in losses.

  • Whale wipeouts:
    • Wallet 0x432 lost $1.6M after a leveraged long collapsed, erasing gains from a prior $915K profit.
    • Wallet 854RaR dropped over $650K on a $2M WLFI buy.
    • Trader 0x1527 was down $2.2M on Hyperliquid, while 0x92bb scored $1.8M shorting WLFI.
  • High-profile liquidation: Influencer Andrew Tate was liquidated for $67,500 betting long on WLFI.
  • Token burn impact: WLFI burned 47M tokens midweek to reduce supply, but the move failed to reverse the downtrend.
  • Market sentiment: WLFI now ranks as the ninth-most bearish token among the top 100, with 31.9% of tracked investors pessimistic.

9. USD1 Stablecoin to List on Coinone’s KRW Market

South Korea’s exchange Coinone announced it will begin supporting trading for World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) on its KRW market starting September 8, 2025.

  • Launch details:
    • Deposits open: Sept 8, 10:00 KST
    • Trading (sell): Sept 8, 13:00 KST
    • Trading (buy): Sept 8, 13:05 KST
    • Market & reserved orders: Sept 8, 15:05 KST
  • Reference price: 1,390 KRW per USD1; initial withdrawal fee set at 0.35 KRW.
  • Network support: BNB Smart Chain only; deposits on other networks not supported.
  • Backing: USD1 is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, with reserves in Treasuries, cash, and USD deposits — managed by BitGo Trust and BitGo Technologies.
  • Cautions issued: Coinone warned that crypto trading carries high risks of loss and urged users to review official documents (whitepaper, key summaries) before investing.
  • Compliance: Listing reviewed under South Korea’s Act on the Protection of Virtual Asset Users; unfair trading practices remain strictly prohibited.

10. WLFI Responds to Wallet Blacklist Backlash

After days of mounting criticism over frozen wallets, including high-profile complaints from Justin Sun and a Polygon developer, World Liberty Financial broke its silence with a lengthy statement on X.

In a series of posts, the Trump-backed crypto project defended its actions, saying intervention was carried out “to protect users, never to silence normal activity.”

Key Points from WLFI’s Response:

  • 272 wallets blacklisted over the past week — described as a “very small segment” of total holders.
  • Of those:
    • 79% (215 wallets) tied to a phishing attack; WLFI claims it stepped in preemptively to stop hackers from draining funds.
    • 18% (50 wallets) were blacklisted at the owners’ own request after they reported compromised accounts.
  • WLFI emphasized: “We do not seek to blacklist anyone. We respond when alerted to malicious or high-risk activity that could harm community members. User safety > everything.”
  • Users impacted are being asked to contact WLFI’s help center with wallet addresses, transaction hashes, and proof of compromise.
  • The team pledged to share outcomes publicly once reviews conclude and to continue communicating any broader actions.
  • Privacy concerns were addressed directly: WLFI insisted that investigations are limited to on-chain behavior and security signals, not personal opinions or normal trading activity.
  • WLFI closed with a rallying cry: “Protect holders. Preserve market integrity. Zero tolerance for malicious activity… This community protects each other.”

While the clarification aimed to calm investors, critics argue it sidesteps bigger questions about decentralization and unilateral control.

What is World Liberty Financial (WLF)?

World Liberty Financial is a high-profile, politically charged DeFi platform backed by Donald Trump and his family. Launched in 2024, it blends traditional financial instruments with decentralized finance—combining influence, controversy, and rapid expansion in equal measure.

Key Components

  • WLFI (Governance Token): A non-transferable (initially) governance token granting holders voting rights on platform decisions. It’s tied to staking, unlock mechanics, and vesting schedules. Trading opened officially in September 2025.
  • USD1 (Stablecoin): A 1:1 U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, collateralized with U.S. Treasuries, cash, and short-term government securities, and regularly audited. Available on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Tron, and Plume for interoperability.
  • Treasury & Corporate Vehicles: The platform is structuring a crypto-assets treasury via a Nasdaq-listed shell (ALT5 Sigma), aiming to raise up to $1.5 billion in WLFI tokens and transform it into a hybrid tradable vehicle for investors.
  • Partnerships & Investors: Heavyweights, including Justin Sun and an Abu Dhabi-state fund (MGX), have injected billions into USD1 and WLFI, enabling major cross-border transactions with regulatory and ethical scrutiny.

Investing in WLFI Token and USD1 Stablecoin – Safety & Risks

The WLFI token is the governance and utility asset at the core of World Liberty Financial. It gives holders voting power on ecosystem decisions and is tied to staking, treasury functions, and token unlock schedules that gradually release supply into circulation.

WLFI

Pros:

  • High return potential: Multi-billion-dollar implied valuations and phased unlocks offer upside for early holders if momentum continues.
  • Strong market attention: Political backing and rapid growth make WLFI one of the most visible tokens in 2025.

Risks:

  • Extreme volatility: As usual with digital assets, it may be highly speculative.
  • Unlock issues: Technical failures in the Lockbox unlock process have left early investors frustrated and uncertain about access.
  • Regulatory uncertainty: Heavy political ties and cross-border funding invite scrutiny; oversight could reshape WLFI’s future.
  • Unpredictable behavior: With limited history, WLFI’s long-term stability and market adoption remain unclear.

USD1 Stablecoin

The USD1 stablecoin is WLF’s dollar-backed asset, pegged 1:1 to USD and collateralized primarily by U.S. Treasuries, cash, and government securities. It serves as the ecosystem’s liquidity engine and has quickly risen into the top tier of global stablecoins.

Pros:

  • Growing adoption: Listed on Coinbase and other major platforms, with increasing integration across DeFi markets.
  • Liquidity incentives: Reward programs encourage use in pools and trading, bolstering circulation and utility.
  • Institutional backing: Billions of dollars in supply signal growing confidence among investors and partners.

Risks:

  • Transparency concerns: A recent $205 million mint raised questions about the clarity of reserves and collateral.
  • Backing uncertainty: If audits or disclosures fall short, confidence in USD1’s peg could weaken.
  • Redemption risk: Any failure to redeem at par would undermine trust and destabilize USD1 and WLFI.

Conclusion

World Liberty Financial is moving quickly, blending crypto innovation, political influence, and market speculation into a single, high-stakes experiment.

With the WLFI token launch, USD1’s rapid expansion, and billion-dollar partnerships, the Trump-backed platform has already secured a front-row seat in the global DeFi conversation.

But speed comes with turbulence. From unlock glitches and volatile futures trading to opaque stablecoin mints and geopolitical fallout, WLF embodies both the promise and peril of the next crypto cycle.

For investors, regulators, and observers alike, the project is more than just another DeFi startup. It is a case study of how digital finance, politics, and global markets collide in real time.

As September’s unlocks approach and partnerships deepen, one thing is clear: WLF’s story is far from finished—and the consequences will ripple well beyond crypto.

FAQs

How can I invest in WLFI tokens or USD1 stablecoins?

WLFI tokens will be tradable starting September 1 through the WLFI Lockbox, with early backers able to unlock a portion of their holdings. USD1 stablecoins are available on Coinbase and other exchanges, often with reward programs. Investors should be aware of volatility and follow official channels to avoid scams.

Are WLFI tokens and USD1 stablecoins safe to invest in?

Both assets carry high potential rewards but come with substantial risk. WLFI token unlocks have experienced technical glitches, and futures markets are highly volatile. USD1 stablecoin backing and transparency have been questioned due to large recent mintings. Only invest what you can afford to lose.

Where can I use USD1?

USD1 is available on multiple blockchain networks, including Ethereum (ERC-20), BNB Chain, and TRON, facilitating low-fee transfers and broad accessibility. It is listed on major exchanges such as Coinbase, allowing both institutional and retail users to access and utilize the stablecoin.

What is Dough Finance and how is it connected to WLF?

Dough Finance was a DeFi trading platform founded by Zachary Folkman and Chase Herro. In July 2024, the platform suffered a hack resulting in the loss of approximately $2 million in user funds. Following this incident, Folkman and Herro partnered with the Trump family to establish World Liberty Financial. While Dough Finance is no longer operational, its founders continue to play a significant role in the development and management of WLF.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, financial advice. We do not make any warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. All investments involve risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. We recommend consulting a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Giuseppe Ciccomascolo

Giuseppe Ciccomascolo began his career as an investigative journalist in Italy, where he contributed to both local and national newspapers, focusing on various financial sectors.

Upon relocating to London, he worked as an analyst for Fitch's CapitalStructure and later as a Senior Reporter for Alliance News. In 2017, Giuseppe transitioned to covering cryptocurrency-related news, producing documentaries and articles on Bitcoin and other emerging digital currencies. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the academy for a cryptocurrency exchange website. Crypto remained his primary area of interest throughout his tenure as a writer for ThirdFloor.

Survey Icon
Help us improve
1 of 4
Is this your first time here?
What brought you here today?
What are you most interested in?
Would you be interested in:
Thank you icon
Thank you for your feedback!
DMCA.com Protection Status