Records: Firms Backed by Trump Sons Secure $6B in Gov Contracts

Military contractors backed by venture capital firms featuring President Donald Trump’s sons have secured more than $6 billion in active or promised government contracts since receiving their investments, according to an analysis of federal contracting records.

Trump Jr. Partner Firm Invests in Anduril Shipyard Project

The contracting surge centers largely on 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm where Donald Trump Jr. serves as a partner. Last year, the firm injected $2.5 billion into Anduril, an autonomous military technology company founded by billionaire Palmer Luckey.

The scale of the federal backing expanded further on Tuesday in Maryland, where President Trump announced a partnership with Anduril for a new shipyard project named “Arsenal-2.” The venture involves a $3.7 billion investment from the company alongside $2.9 billion contributed by the Navy. During the announcement, the president praised Luckey as a friend and a “brilliant guy,” noting that the public would receive a 40 percent stake in the shipyard, a figure that sparked confusion given that the Navy’s $2.9 billion contribution exceeds 40 percent of the project’s $6.6 billion total cost.

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Beyond Anduril, federal contracting records analyzed by reporting outlets highlight several other firms receiving funding after securing ties to the president’s sons. Unusual Machines, a drone manufacturer, secured a contract for 3,500 motors—with potential for 20,000 more—in 2025, months after Donald Trump Jr. joined the team as an adviser. Similarly, drone company Powerus obtained its first Pentagon contract just one month after Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump were listed as notable investors in March 2026, later capturing a contract worth up to $90 million as reported by Mediaite. Another 1789 Capital investment, automated manufacturing firm Hadrian, received a $39.2 million Army agreement and a $900 million Navy deal.

Pentagon and Trump Brothers Deny Procurement Impropriety

The Pentagon and representatives for the Trump brothers have strongly denied any impropriety or preferential treatment in the procurement process. The War Department always looks for solutions to benefit the warfighter, not any pre-selected entity.”

Addressing Powerus specifically, a Pentagon spokesperson clarified that neither Donald Trump Jr. nor Eric Trump acts as an adviser to the company or engages in its day-to-day operations, noting that their interest is held indirectly through American Ventures. A spokesperson for the Trump brothers similarly defended their business activities to ABC News, stating that the two brothers are experienced leaders whose investment decisions are based solely on independent business judgment rather than political influence.

Democratic lawmakers have pushed back against these assertions. In August, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, opened an investigation into 1789 Capital. Raskin pointed out that the firm grew from managing $150 million to over $3 billion after Donald Trump Jr. assumed his partnership role just days following the presidential election. Raskin’s inquiry questions whether the arrangements violate federal laws regarding conflicts of interest, political insider trading, and the exploitation of public office.

The scrutiny follows comments made by President Trump in July, when he remarked openly that his status as president provides his children with access to inside information regarding government purchases.