WLFI’s Trump-Backed DeFi Gamble Unlocks $40B Valuation in Pre-Market Surge

BingX has introduced pre-market trading for the WLFI token with up to 25x leverage, a move that may amplify volatility ahead of the token’s scheduled mainnet launch in September 2025. The token, part of World Liberty Financial—a DeFi platform associated with Donald Trump’s family—has already begun trading on perpetual futures markets on major exchanges, including Binance, Bybit, and OKX, with prices reaching as high as $0.42. This level implies a fully diluted valuation (FDV) above $40 billion, significantly higher than the early round prices of $0.015 and $0.05 [2].

The WLFI token transitioned from a governance-only asset to a tradable token following a July 2025 governance vote by token holders, a key step in expanding its use cases. On September 1, 2025, 20% of early investment tokens will be unlocked through the onchain Lockbox mechanism, while the remaining 80% will stay locked pending future governance decisions. The unlock is expected to increase liquidity and potentially drive further price movements. BingX has also announced that eligible early investors can begin accessing their holdings starting August 25, with compliance checks determining the extent of immediate availability [2].

World Liberty Financial is building a $1.5 billion crypto treasury to stabilize WLFI’s value. This effort includes a significant investment in ALT5 Sigma, a decentralized finance firm that recently added Eric Trump to its board. The firm’s broader ecosystem plans include promoting the USD1 stablecoin and a user loyalty program, signaling a strategic push into both DeFi and stablecoin markets. Additionally, the project is seeking a future listing on Coinbase, contingent on regulatory compliance [2].

The Trump family’s stake in WLFI is substantial, with a holding company owning 22.5 billion tokens, valued at over $9 billion at current prices. Donald Trump’s personal allocation alone—15.75 billion tokens—would be worth more than $6 billion. The political implications of these holdings have drawn scrutiny, particularly after efforts to include restrictions in the GENIUS Act—new stablecoin legislation—failed to include safeguards against elected officials profiting from crypto projects [2].

The WLFI token’s pre-market trading on BingX introduces a new dimension to speculative trading in the DeFi space. With 25x leverage available, traders can capitalize on price movements before the token becomes fully accessible on spot markets. This feature, combined with the token’s governance rights and early unlocks, could drive both retail and institutional interest. However, the heightened leverage also increases the risk of significant price swings, particularly in the absence of full liquidity and market depth.

As WLFI prepares for spot trading, investors are closely monitoring price performance, governance decisions, and the broader regulatory environment. The token’s inclusion on major exchanges and its governance model differentiate it from many other crypto projects. With its high FDV and strong backing from both financial and political figures, WLFI is positioned as a high-profile entrant in the evolving DeFi landscape. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the token can sustain its current momentum or face a correction following the initial surge in interest.

Source:

[1] Trump-Related DeFi Platform World Liberty Financial Debuts (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-related-defi-platform-world-173044552.html)

[2] Trump-Linked WLFI Token Hits $0.42 as Early Unlock Plans Move Forward (https://coincentral.com/trump-linked-wlfi-token-hits-0-42-as-early-unlock-plans-move-forward/)

[3] WLFI Token Transforms the Trading Landscape on BingX (https://www.onesafe.io/blog/wlfi-token-bingx-trading-futures)