Donald Trump Jr.’s New Role: Venture Capitalist in the MAGA Economy
For much of his public life, Donald Trump Jr. has been known as a businessman, political operative, and staunch defender of his father’s brand. But in recent months, he has taken on a new role: venture capitalist, power broker, and key figure in a growing conservative business ecosystem.
Since joining 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm launched by Trump ally Omeed Malik, Trump Jr. has worked to build an investment portfolio that aligns with the priorities of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. His involvement in the firm marks a shift—not just for him personally, but for the broader conservative business world, where a network of entrepreneurs, financiers, and political figures is working to develop alternatives to what they see as a left-leaning Silicon Valley and Wall Street establishment.
The firm, based just miles from Mar-a-Lago, has positioned itself as a financial engine for this movement. It has raised over $500 million since Inauguration Day, with a goal of reaching $1 billion by midyear—funding sourced largely from conservative donors, Republican-led state endowments, and investors eager to back companies that reflect their ideological beliefs.
Trump Jr., now a general partner at 1789 Capital, has wasted little time making high-profile bets.
Building a Conservative Investment Empire
In its first months, 1789 Capital has invested in a broad spectrum of businesses, spanning media, technology, firearms, and even pharmaceuticals. Among its most prominent moves:
A $15 million seed investment in Tucker Carlson’s new media company, a venture that seeks to challenge mainstream news outlets and create a dedicated conservative audience.
Over $50 million invested in Elon Musk’s companies, xAI and SpaceX, signaling confidence in Musk’s vision for artificial intelligence and space exploration.
Backing for Polymarket, a prediction market platform that allows users to place bets on political and financial events, which has gained popularity among conservatives.
An investment in a beverage company founded by the Nelk Boys, a group of right-wing YouTubers with a massive online following.
Support for GrabAGun, a Texas-based firearms retailer that Trump Jr. is personally advising as it prepares for a potential public offering later this year.
The firm is also actively seeking acquisitions, reportedly expecting that a second Trump administration could loosen financial regulations and create a more favorable business climate for conservative-led firms.
Trump Jr.’s Expanding Influence in Business
Beyond his role at 1789 Capital, Trump Jr. has been expanding his own business footprint. He now sits on the board of three publicly traded companies, including a drone manufacturer, a conservative e-commerce platform, and a fintech firm.
He is also involved in the pharmaceutical startup BlinkRX, a prescription delivery service backed by 1789 Capital, as well as Kalshi, a prediction market platform similar to Polymarket.
Perhaps most notably, Trump Jr. remains the sole trustee of Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, his father’s social media platform. His control over the company gives him a major stake in the conservative media landscape at a time when right-wing digital platforms are seeking to challenge mainstream giants like Twitter and Facebook.
A Shift in Conservative Business Strategy
Trump Jr.’s foray into venture capital is part of a larger trend: the rise of conservative-aligned businesses that seek to create their own economic ecosystem, separate from mainstream institutions.
For years, conservatives have voiced concerns that major financial institutions, technology companies, and media conglomerates are biased against them. The rise of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives have fueled further discontent among right-wing investors, many of whom argue that corporate America has become overly progressive.
Now, firms like 1789 Capital are aiming to reshape that landscape—backing businesses that share their values and creating financial pipelines for right-leaning entrepreneurs.
This shift has deep political implications, particularly as Trump Jr. strengthens his own network of conservative business leaders and investors. His involvement in venture capital, media, and industry-specific investments positions him as one of the most influential economic figures in Trump-world, second only to his father.
A New Kind of Power Player
For those who have followed Trump Jr.’s trajectory over the years, his move into venture capital may seem like a natural evolution. As one of his father’s most vocal and politically active children, he has long been a key figure in Republican fundraising and conservative media circles.
But his work at 1789 Capital marks a significant expansion of his influence—shifting from political advocacy to financial strategy, and from media presence to business mogul.
While some have been surprised by his decision to focus so heavily on investment, others see it as a strategic play to shape the future of conservative business. As one former Trump administration official put it:
“This isn’t just about making money—it’s about building an infrastructure for the movement. Trump Jr. isn’t just supporting businesses; he’s creating a parallel economy that could reshape American capitalism.”
Whether this effort will succeed remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Trump Jr. is no longer just a political figure—he is now a major force in conservative finance, working to redefine the business landscape in an era of deep political and economic division.