Senator Ron Wyden, the chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, has voiced strong criticism against former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s bid to acquire TikTok, citing concerns over his ties to money from the Middle East.

Mnuchin recently revealed his plans to lead a group of investors in purchasing the popular social media platform, following the House’s approval of a bill mandating its sale within six months or facing a ban from app stores. With the bill garnering support from both parties, the White House has urged the Senate to expedite the process.

While Mnuchin disclosed limited information about his bidding group, he mentioned collaborating with a mix of U.S. investors. However, it has come to light that a substantial portion of the $2.5 billion investment fund he raised post his tenure in office originated from governments in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, where Mnuchin had been a frequent visitor during his government service.

Senator Wyden expressed apprehension, stating, ‘I don’t see how America will be any more secure if the next owner of TikTok is a MAGA Trump crony backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.’ He further emphasized his concerns about the potential access of personal data by the Chinese government, highlighting the equivalence of apprehensions regarding Saudi influence, particularly in light of the Washington Post journalist’s murder and alleged spyware activities.

Reports from The New York Times indicated that Saudi Arabia had committed $1 billion to Mnuchin’s Liberty Strategic Capital fund, with Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates each pledging $500 million. Mnuchin acknowledged the participation of foreign governments, wealthy families, and insurance companies as investors.

Senator Wyden previously raised suspicions in a 2022 letter to Mnuchin’s successor, Janet Yellen, suggesting potential fundraising activities during Mnuchin’s visit to the Gulf in the final days of the Trump administration, possibly at the taxpayer’s expense.