Eased US AI Chip Export Rules for UAE Fuel Trump Conflict-of-Interest Concerns

Against the backdrop of the US-China technology rivalry, the United Arab Emirates has been expanding its AI ambitions and pledged to sever ties with China’s Huawei in exchange for access to US chips. Before US President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, an investment firm controlled by UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bought an approximately 49% stake in the Trump family’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, for $500 million. The deal has cast a shadow of potential conflicts of interest over US national security policy.

In early July 2026, the US Commerce Department upgraded the UAE’s export-control status to the “A:5” category, placing it on par with NATO allies and allowing it to import advanced AI chips and drone technology without individual licenses. The move immediately drew criticism from Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and others, who denounced the policy as a “corrupt deal.” They called for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify before Congress as part of an investigation into any link between the $500 million investment and the easing of restrictions.