Who are the People Behind World Liberty Financial? Looking at the Team

World Liberty Financial, often referred to as WLFI, has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in decentralized finance.

Its emergence has sparked curiosity, debate, and a fair share of controversy, not least because of the high-profile figures at its helm. 

The project’s leadership is a blend of political legacy, real estate expertise, and crypto ambition, making it a focal point for both supporters and critics in the digital asset space. 

Understanding who drives WLFI is key to understanding its direction, credibility, and potential impact on the broader financial ecosystem.

The Core Leadership: Trump Family and Close Allies

At the heart of WLFI’s leadership is the Trump family, whose involvement has shaped both the project’s public image and its internal governance. 

Donald J. Trump is listed as Co-Founder Emeritus, providing symbolic and strategic weight. 

His sons—Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Barron Trump—occupy central roles as co-founders, with Eric and Donald Jr. taking the lead in public promotion and operational oversight.

Barron, the youngest, is named as a co-founder and has been described as a “DeFi visionary” in some project materials, though his practical crypto experience remains limited.

The Trump family’s control is more than ceremonial. Recent restructuring placed 60% of the project’s parent company, WLF Holdco LLC, in their hands, giving them substantial influence over development, governance, and revenue streams. 

Reports indicate the family is entitled to 75% of net revenue from WLFI token sales and 60% of protocol-generated revenues, underscoring their dominant stake in both decision-making and financial outcomes.

Other core team members include:

• Steven Witkoff: Co-Founder Emeritus, real estate developer, and Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East.
   
• Zach Witkoff and Alex Witkoff: Co-Founders, bringing a mix of real estate and digital asset experience.
   
• Corey Caplan: Head of Technical Strategy, responsible for the platform’s blockchain and DeFi architecture.
   
• Ryan Fang: Head of Growth, focusing on user acquisition and partnerships.
   
• Brandi Reynolds: Chief Compliance Officer, overseeing regulatory and legal matters.
   

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From Founders to Operators: Shifts in Team Structure

WLFI’s team has undergone significant changes since its launch. Early co-founders Zak Folkman and Chase Herro played key roles in the platform’s initial development and token sales. 

However, after a major fundraising round in early 2025, both were removed from controlling positions, replaced by the Trump-affiliated entity. 

This shift consolidated power within the Trump family and their closest business allies, raising questions about transparency and decentralization.

The current structure reflects a clear hierarchy:

This consolidation has made WLFI’s governance model highly centralized, with the Trump family holding the majority of both equity and voting power. 

Critics argue that this structure blurs the lines between private business interests and public influence, especially given the family’s ongoing political prominence.

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Governance, Transparency, and Controversy

WLFI’s governance model is a frequent topic of discussion in crypto circles. The project touts token-holder voting and community proposals as pillars of its decentralized finance ethos. However, the reality is more complex. 

The Trump family’s 60% equity stake and 75% share of token sale revenues mean that most critical decisions and profits remain in the hands of a small group.

The project’s fundraising has been substantial, with $550 million raised across two major WLFI token sales by March 2025. More than 85,000 participants underwent KYC checks to join these offerings.

Yet, the tokens themselves are not freely tradable, limiting actual user control and liquidity. The economic benefit for most token holders is minimal, while the Trump family and their affiliates retain the lion’s share of proceeds and governance rights.

Transparency concerns are compounded by the project’s rapid leadership changes and the opaque nature of some business dealings. Notably, foreign investment and political connections have drawn scrutiny from regulators and the media. 

Critics point out that WLFI’s structure could serve as a vehicle for advancing political agendas under the guise of crypto innovation, while supporters argue that the project brings much-needed attention and capital to the DeFi space.

The Broader Team: Technical, Compliance, and Strategic Roles

Beyond the headline names, WLFI’s operational team includes specialists in blockchain technology, compliance, and growth. Corey Caplan leads technical strategy, shaping the architecture of WLFI’s DeFi protocol and stablecoin products. 

Ryan Fang drives user acquisition and partnership development, aiming to scale the platform’s reach. Brandi Reynolds, as Chief Compliance Officer, is tasked with navigating the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring WLFI’s offerings meet legal standards in multiple jurisdictions.

The Witkoff family’s involvement brings real estate and traditional finance expertise, complementing the Trump family’s branding and political influence. 

This mix of backgrounds is intended to bridge the gap between legacy finance and blockchain-based systems, though the centralized control structure remains a point of contention within the crypto community.

Conclusion

World Liberty Financial’s team is a study in contrasts: high-profile political figures, established real estate developers, and crypto strategists working under a single banner. The Trump family’s dominance in leadership and governance is both a source of strength and controversy, attracting investment and attention while raising questions about transparency and decentralization. 

As WLFI continues to develop its platform and expand its offerings, the composition and actions of its team will remain central to its reputation and prospects in the DeFi landscape.

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FAQ

Who are the main leaders of World Liberty Financial?

The Trump family—Donald J. Trump, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Barron Trump—hold the most influential positions, supported by the Witkoff family, Corey Caplan, Ryan Fang, and Brandi Reynolds.

How much control does the Trump family have over WLFI?

They control 60% of the parent company and are entitled to 75% of token sale revenues, making them the dominant force in both governance and financial outcomes.

What happened to the original co-founders?

Zak Folkman and Chase Herro, early co-founders, were removed from controlling positions after a major fundraising round, with the Trump family consolidating power.

Is WLFI decentralized?

 While the project promotes token-holder voting, most key decisions and profits are controlled by a small group, leading to ongoing debates about its true level of decentralization.

What expertise does the team bring?

The team combines political, real estate, compliance, and blockchain expertise, aiming to bridge traditional finance and DeFi, though critics highlight the risks of such concentrated control.