24 DAILY NEWS – Donald Trump Jr. has increasingly involved himself in the drone and defense sector as the Trump administration directs billions toward military drone expansion.
By 24 DAILY NEWS
Washington, D.C. — Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump, has taken on high-profile roles in the drone and defense industries just as his father’s administration pushes billions of dollars toward military drone expansion. Ethics experts warn that the overlap between Trump Jr.’s business ventures and White House policy creates serious conflict-of-interest concerns — even if it’s not technically illegal.
From Boardroom to Big Profits
In November 2024, days after his father’s reelection, Trump Jr. joined the advisory board of Unusual Machines, a small Florida-based drone company incorporated in Nevada. Securities filings show he owns 331,580 shares, making him one of the firm’s largest individual shareholders.
Within weeks of his appointment, Unusual Machines’ stock price doubled to about $10 a share. The company’s growth prospects are tied closely to U.S. defense spending — particularly the $1.4 billion allocation for small drone production in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
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Inside Track to a Booming Industry
Unusual Machines owns Fat Shark, which produces drone components like goggles and controllers, and Rotor Riot, an e-commerce platform for drone parts. The firm is also moving to acquire Australian motor manufacturer Rotor Lab, with plans to shift production to a new 17,000-square-foot facility in Orlando, Florida.
By “onshoring” manufacturing, the company aims to meet Pentagon procurement standards and avoid tariffs on Chinese components — a move perfectly aligned with the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act’s push for U.S.-made drone technology.
Experts told 24 DAILY NEWS that with Trump Jr. on the board, Unusual Machines could enjoy unparalleled access to government decision-making.
“There’s always the risk he could have inside information about upcoming bids and help win contracts,” said Colby Goodman of Transparency International U.S.
Profiting Even Without U.S. Contracts
Even if Unusual Machines does not secure U.S. government deals, analysts say it can leverage state-backed technology for lucrative foreign sales.
“When contractors don’t get the U.S. government contracts they want, they backfill with arms sales and deals with foreign entities,” said Julia Gledhill of the Stimson Center.
Trump Jr.’s Wider Defense Portfolio
Beyond Unusual Machines, Trump Jr. is also a partner at 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm led by GOP megadonor Omeed Malik. The firm has invested in major defense and aerospace companies, including Anduril, Hadrian, and Firehawk.
While Trump Jr.’s exact role in investment decisions is unclear, 1789 Capital has positioned him as a public face of the company at high-profile events like the Qatar Economic Forum. Venture capital partners typically earn management fees, equity stakes, and profits when portfolio companies go public or are acquired — gains that could be amplified if those companies land federal contracts.
Ethics Experts Sound the Alarm
Donald Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) told 24 DAILY NEWS the situation is unprecedented:
“There’s no modern or historical comparison for what Don Jr. and the President are doing. The president’s family is not subject to financial disclosure rules, so there’s no public accountability.”
While federal law addresses conflicts for government officials, there’s no comprehensive regulation requiring adult children of high-ranking officials to disclose their business ties.
“Don Jr. and President Trump continue to make the case for why maybe they should,” Sherman said.
