Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. Apparently, Donald Trump Jr.’s investment firm, 1789 Capital, has been raking it in since his dad’s reelection. The company, which is dedicated to “patriotic capitalism,” has grown from less than a billion dollars in assets to a whopping $3.5 billion in just a year. And, of course, this has raised some eyebrows, especially considering the firm’s investments in companies that have benefited from the Trump administration’s policies.
One of the things that caught my attention was the fact that 1789 Capital has invested in several government contractors that have won contracts and loans worth millions of dollars. I mean, it’s not like this is a coincidence or anything. Companies like Vulcan Elements, Anduril, and Axiom Space have all received significant funding from the federal government, and it just so happens that Trump Jr.’s firm has a stake in them. Now, I’m not saying that there’s anything fishy going on here, but it does seem like a pretty convenient arrangement.
And then there’s the fact that 1789 Capital has also invested in companies that could benefit from the Trump administration’s policies, such as BlinkRx, which offers online prescription-drug delivery, and Enhanced Games, which hosts athletic competitions where participants can use performance-enhancing drugs. It’s like they’re trying to cover all their bases, you know?
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Big Elephant, this all sounds like a big conflict of interest.” And you’re right, it does. But, according to Thomas Clare, an attorney representing 1789 Capital, the firm has done nothing wrong. He said that the answer to whether anyone with 1789 Capital has ever discussed federal contracts involving those companies with the Trump administration is “unequivocally no.”
But, despite the denials, government watchdogs are still raising concerns about the potential for undue influence. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, an interim vice president at the Project on Government Oversight, said that the rapid growth of 1789 Capital and its investments in companies benefiting from the Trump administration’s agenda could undermine public trust. And, let’s be real, it’s not like the Trump family has a history of being transparent about their business dealings or anything.
In any case, it’s worth noting that Trump Jr.’s firm has also received funding from foreign investors, which has raised some eyebrows. About 40% of the firm’s money comes from abroad, and while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it does add another layer of complexity to the whole situation.
As I was reading through this article, I couldn’t help but think about the potential for new scrutiny of Trump Jr.’s business dealings. If Democrats regain control of the House or Senate, they may launch committee inquiries with subpoena power, which could shed more light on the whole situation. And, who knows, maybe we’ll finally get some answers about how 1789 Capital has managed to grow so rapidly.
All in all, this whole situation is just another example of how politics and business can get tangled up in a big mess. And, as usual, it’s the taxpayers who end up footing the bill. So, the next time you hear someone talking about “draining the swamp,” just remember that it’s not always as simple as it sounds.
In conclusion, the story of 1789 Capital and its rapid growth is a complex one, full of twists and turns. While the firm has denied any wrongdoing, the potential for conflicts of interest and undue influence is certainly there. And, as the situation continues to unfold, one thing is for sure – it’s going to be a wild ride. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy the show, folks!
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
