What is World Liberty Financial?

World Liberty Financial is a crypto-focused company whose co-founders include Donald Trump and his sons. The company applied for a national trust charter from the OCC in January, which would allow it to offer certain financial services under federal oversight.

What did Jonathan Gould say about political pressure?

Gould denied receiving pressure from President Trump or the White House regarding World Liberty Financial's application. He said the only political pressure he had experienced came from Democratic lawmakers questioning the review process.

Why did Representative Gregory Meeks criticise Gould?

Gregory Meeks accused Gould of potentially acting as a "fixer" for the Trump family by approving a charter application tied to a company connected to the president. Meeks argued that regulators should demonstrate independence and avoid any appearance of favouritism.

What is a national trust charter and why does it matter for crypto companies?

A national trust charter allows companies to provide certain financial and custody services under federal regulation. For crypto firms, obtaining a charter can provide regulatory credibility and access to financial activities without becoming a traditional bank.

Which crypto companies have already received OCC trust charters?

According to Gould, the OCC has approved or conditionally approved applications from crypto-related firms including Coinbase, Ripple, BitGo, Circle, Fidelity Digital Assets and Paxos.

Why are Democrats concerned about World Liberty Financial's application?

Some Democratic lawmakers argue that the Trump family's involvement creates a potential conflict of interest because regulators reviewing the application were appointed by the same administration. They want assurances that the company is being treated under the same standards as all other applicants.

Has the OCC approved World Liberty Financial's application?

No. Based on the article, the application remains under review. Gould stated that the OCC would conduct the process in an apolitical and nonpartisan manner, but no final decision has been announced.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

OCC chief denies pressure over Trump crypto charter

Q: Why was OCC chief Jonathan Gould questioned about World Liberty Financial?

Jonathan Gould was questioned during a House Financial Services Committee hearing over the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's review of a national trust charter application submitted by World Liberty Financial. Critics have raised concerns about the company's ties to President Donald Trump and potential conflicts of interest.

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished Jun 5, 2026, 1:28 AM

US Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould rejected suggestions that President Donald Trump had influenced the regulator’s review of a national trust charter application submitted by crypto firm World Liberty Financial.

During a House Financial Services Committee oversight hearing, Representative Gregory Meeks questioned Gould over World Liberty Financial’s ties to the Trump family, foreign governments and crypto exchange Binance.

“Your attempts to continue to pressure me are the only political pressure I’ve felt from anyone other than your Senate colleagues,”

Said Comptroller Jonathan Gould in response to criticism from Meeks.

The exchange followed accusations from Meeks that Gould was acting as “Trump’s fixer” and would approve the application because of the company’s connections to the president and his family.

World Liberty Financial, whose co-founders include Donald Trump and his sons, applied for a national trust charter in January, prompting objections from Democratic lawmakers who raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Gould maintained that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency would remain “apolitical and nonpartisan” in its review process, while noting that the agency has already approved or conditionally approved similar trust charter applications from crypto firms including Coinbase, Ripple, BitGo, Circle, Fidelity Digital Assets and Paxos.

The debate comes as lawmakers prepare for a Senate vote on the CLARITY Act, a major digital asset market structure bill that the Trump administration hopes to pass this summer, potentially reshaping the regulatory framework for the US crypto industry.

At the time of reporting, World Liberty Financial price was $0.05899.