U.S. Democrats Push to Block $200 Billion Arms Deals with UAE Over Sudan Conflict and Crypto Concerns
Congressional Democrats Challenge Trump’s Arms Deals with UAE Amid Allegations of Sudan War Involvement and Ties to Cryptocurrency
Watan-Democrats in the U.S. Congress on Thursday sought to block arms sales to the UAE due to accusations of its involvement in the civil war in Sudan and concerns about its ties to cryptocurrencies. This move coincided with Republican President Donald Trump’s announcement of new $200 billion deals with the Gulf state.
Democratic Senators Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Brian Schatz, Tim Kaine, and Bernie Sanders, an independent allied with Democrats, introduced Senate resolutions to reject three arms sales deals to the UAE.
Additionally, prominent Democratic Representatives Gregory Meeks, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs introduced similar resolutions in the House.
U.S. Senators Raise Concerns Over UAE’s Alleged Involvement in Sudan Conflict and Crypto Ties
The senators cited concerns raised over the UAE’s alleged arming of the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group involved in Sudan’s civil war. The UAE has repeatedly denied these accusations.
They also referred to the announcement by MGX, an investment firm backed by Emiratis, that it would use a stablecoin launched by Trump’s digital currency project, World Liberty Financial, to invest $2 billion on the Binance cryptocurrency platform.
In a statement, Murphy said he wanted the entire Senate to hold a discussion on what he called “nuclear-grade corruption.”
Meeks and Jacobs said in a statement, “The Trump administration’s circumvention of Congress is irresponsible and will embolden the UAE to further violate the UN arms embargo related to Darfur, continuing its support for the Rapid Support Forces and the killing of innocent civilians.”
Trump Anticipates Stronger UAE Relations
The White House and the UAE Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The UAE denies arming the Rapid Support Forces. Trump has pledged to strengthen U.S. relations with the Gulf state, stating in a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “I have no doubt the relationship will become stronger.”
U.S. law requires Congressional review of major arms sales.
Among the sales targeted by the resolutions are helicopters and equipment worth $1.32 billion, components and accessories for F-16 fighter jets worth $130 million, and more.
