Donald Trump Jr. will join the venture capital firm 1789 Capital, marking a significant step in his career beyond the Trump Organization. Trump Jr.’s entry into venture capitalism is seen as both a calculated business move and a political signal, aligning with the firm’s focus on conservative and anti-“woke” investments. This development comes amidst speculation about his role in his father’s presidential transition, where he has notably taken a backseat in official governmental capacities.
According to sources familiar with Trump Jr.’s plans, he will not join President-elect Donald Trump’s administration in any official post, opting instead for a position at 1789 Capital. The firm, led by Trump donor Omeed Malik, has taken a clear stance against traditional ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles in investing. Instead, it emphasizes EIG — entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth. This strategy is seen as a direct response to what Malik and many conservative allies view as a growing trend of “woke” investing on Wall Street, where socially conscious investing is increasingly becoming the norm.
The New York Times first broke the story, and sources close to Trump Jr. confirmed his intentions to work with 1789 Capital. His involvement with the firm underlines a deepening of his engagement with businesses and investment strategies that cater to conservative values. As a public figure with strong ties to right-wing politics, Trump Jr.’s addition to the venture capital firm is expected to bolster its profile, attracting both attention and potential investment from conservative circles.
Despite his high profile in President-elect Trump’s campaign and his influence during the White House transition process, Trump Jr. will not be joining his father’s administration in any formal capacity, according to sources who spoke under anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. Trump Jr. has been instrumental behind the scenes in shaping key decisions, such as advocating for Ohio Senator JD Vance as a running mate and vetting potential appointees for alignment with the president-elect’s vision.
A representative from Trump’s transition team has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding Trump Jr.’s plans. However, his decision not to take an official role comes amid growing public curiosity over the president-elect’s approach to appointing family members in his administration. President Trump’s first term drew criticism over the involvement of his children and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who held prominent advisory roles. Kushner’s transition to private equity with the formation of Affinity Partners suggests a pattern where members of the Trump family are engaging in high-stakes business and investment fields outside official government roles.
Donald Trump Jr.’s active role in the campaign and transition team has been marked by his influence in key staffing decisions. His endorsement of Senator JD Vance, known for his populist appeal and strong conservative views, underscored the campaign’s focus on aligning the party’s agenda with Trump’s policy goals. Although the vice-presidential pick has yet to be confirmed, Trump Jr.’s input has demonstrated his influence within the transition team, especially in terms of personnel and ideological consistency.
In addition to his lobbying for Vance, Trump Jr. has helped vet potential administration members, ensuring that future appointees are ideologically aligned with the president-elect. This gatekeeping role aligns with his reputation as a fiercely loyal advocate for his father’s agenda and his keen interest in protecting the Trump brand. His influence extends to various decisions on foreign policy and economic advisors, areas where conservative principles are expected to play a significant role.
1789 Capital, founded by Omeed Malik, is recognized for its investment philosophy that resists ESG, or environmental, social, and governance frameworks, which have dominated Wall Street in recent years. The firm instead adopts the EIG approach, promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth. Malik has framed this approach as a counter-narrative to ESG-driven investments, positioning the firm as a home for conservative investors skeptical of “woke” business practices. This ideology is in direct opposition to firms that prioritize environmental and social governance criteria, which are increasingly prominent among top financial institutions.
Malik’s stance has appealed to a base of investors and entrepreneurs disillusioned by ESG mandates and searching for alternatives that allow them to prioritize growth over social accountability criteria. His background as a Trump donor and outspoken critic of mainstream investment practices have contributed to 1789 Capital’s reputation as a haven for conservative-aligned investors. Trump Jr.’s move to join the firm will likely reinforce its profile, drawing interest from investors who share similar values and potentially bringing in significant capital from right-wing sources.
With Donald Trump Jr. joining 1789 Capital, two members of the Trump family are now deeply involved in high-level financial deal-making. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior White House adviser, has also pursued a financial career with the founding of Affinity Partners, a private equity firm he launched after Trump’s first term. Kushner’s firm has engaged in business ventures with countries across the Middle East, with notable investments from the Saudi government, sparking public debate about the ethics of former government officials leveraging political connections for financial gain.
Trump Jr.’s career has largely been tied to the Trump Organization, where he has held significant roles in the company’s real estate and development ventures. His decision to enter the world of venture capital represents both a personal and professional shift, diverging from the traditional real estate dealings of the Trump family. Additionally, he has dabbled in the world of cryptocurrency, participating in the formation of World Liberty Financial alongside his father and brothers Eric and Barron. The company aims to create a digital currency ecosystem catering to conservative investors, marking yet another venture that mirrors Trump Jr.’s ideological leanings.
The news of Trump Jr. joining 1789 Capital has sparked a variety of reactions across the political and media spectrum. Some conservative commentators have lauded the move as a positive shift, applauding Trump Jr. for embracing the private sector rather than joining the government in an official capacity. His decision is viewed by supporters as a testament to the power of free enterprise and a rejection of perceived government overreach, themes that resonate strongly with the Republican base.
However, critics argue that the influence of the Trump family in both political and financial spheres represents a potential conflict of interest. Given the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump’s first presidency and his family’s influence within the administration, some political analysts question the ethical implications of Trump Jr. and Kushner holding significant financial power and potential sway in both business and policy circles. They argue that the blurring lines between public service and private profit could raise concerns over accountability and transparency.
Trump Jr.’s involvement in 1789 Capital has symbolic value for the conservative business movement. As the firm seeks to provide a counterbalance to the progressive values underpinning ESG, it represents a shift toward an investment philosophy aligned with traditional conservative values. By rejecting ESG, Malik’s firm, now supported by Trump Jr., is catering to a base that believes in prioritizing financial returns and free-market principles over corporate social responsibility metrics.
The rise of anti-ESG investing reflects a growing divide in the business community, with conservatives viewing such metrics as a form of corporate activism that dilutes shareholder value. Trump Jr.’s participation in this space is likely to attract investors who feel alienated by the left-leaning direction of major financial institutions and want to align their capital with businesses that share their ideological convictions.
As Trump Jr. embarks on this new venture, his involvement with 1789 Capital may have a profound impact on the conservative business landscape. By joining a firm that explicitly rejects ESG principles, Trump Jr. is positioning himself at the forefront of a financial movement that challenges established norms on Wall Street. His role could inspire a wave of like-minded entrepreneurs and investors to prioritize economic growth and innovation over socially driven investment criteria.
In the weeks and months to come, the political and financial communities will closely monitor how Trump Jr. navigates his role at 1789 Capital. His influence in steering capital toward conservative-friendly ventures has the potential to further cement the Trump family’s legacy in reshaping both political and business landscapes. With Trump’s recent electoral victory, Trump Jr.’s entry into venture capital serves as a powerful statement of the family’s commitment to promoting conservative values beyond politics and into the private sector.
