Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump have backed a new military drone venture that already works with the US Department of Defense, signalling growing investor interest in defence technology.
According to a report by the Financial Times, the two businessmen are investing in Autonomous Power Corporation, a firm that builds autonomous drone systems designed for use in military and high-risk environments. The company plans to go public through a merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings, which currently operates golf courses in Florida. After the deal, the combined entity is expected to be renamed Powerus.
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The Trump brothers’ investment will be made through a special purpose vehicle named American Venture Partners. The size of the investment has not been disclosed.
Drone technology attracts growing defence interest
Autonomous Power already counts the US Department of Defense among its clients, reflecting the rising importance of drones in modern warfare and surveillance operations.
Demand for drone technology has surged as conflicts across the world increasingly rely on unmanned systems for reconnaissance, targeting and combat roles. Wars in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East have highlighted how relatively inexpensive drones can influence battlefield outcomes.
Another drone-related venture connected to Donald Trump Jr, Unusual Machines, secured a Pentagon contract in October to supply 3,500 drone motors and related components. Trump Jr joined the company as an adviser in 2024.
Shares in Unusual Machines have risen more than 20 percent since the latest escalation of conflict in the Middle East, reflecting investor interest in companies tied to defence technology.
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Expanding investment activity
The Trump brothers have broadened their investment portfolio in recent years, entering sectors such as cryptocurrency, technology and defence.
Their latest backing of a military drone venture comes as private capital increasingly flows into companies developing advanced defence systems. The brothers are also linked to New America Acquisition I Corp, a blank-cheque investment vehicle that has said it intends to acquire a business that could benefit from government contracts and national security spending.
