New drone maker partly owned by Trump sons hopes to win Pentagon contracts
Powerus: A Standout in Pentagon Drone Contracts Bidding
Among the numerous companies vying for lucrative Pentagon contracts to supply attack drones, Powerus has emerged as a notable contender. With its rapid growth and financial backing, this drone manufacturer distinguishes itself not only through its aggressive acquisition strategy but also through its partial ownership by President Donald Trump’s two oldest sons, Eric and Donald Jr.
Trump Family’s Business Ventures Under Scrutiny
The Trump family’s business dealings have repeatedly fallen under scrutiny, especially their expansion into foreign real estate and cryptocurrency ventures that critics argue benefit from favorable policies. Less publicized, however, are their new stakes in federal contractors supplying critical components such as rocket parts, AI chips, and computer hardware. The ownership in Powerus adds a layer of complexity to this narrative.
Powerus Poised to Benefit From U.S. Drone Manufacturing Boost
Powerus aims to capture a portion of the $1.1 billion earmarked by the Pentagon to fortify the U.S. manufacturing base for armed drones, a move prompted by the Trump administration’s ban on Chinese drone imports. The company asserts that there is no conflict of interest in their pursuit of government funds, with co-founder Brett Velicovich stating, “There’s no conflict there. Whatever they’re doing, is what they’re doing. Our focus at the company has nothing to do with politics.”
Eric Trump further defended their involvement, saying, “I am incredibly proud to invest in companies I believe in. Drones are clearly the wave of the future.”
Expanding Rapidly: Powerus’ Acquisition Strategy
Founded by U.S. Army Special Operations veterans, Powerus originally focused on commercial drones but is quickly scaling its operations to supply armed drones to the Defense Department. The company has acquired three competitors in just six months and recently raised $60 million to fund further acquisitions. Its aggressive growth strategy includes a planned reverse merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed company partly owned by the Trump brothers.
Potential Conflicts of Interest and Ethical Concerns
The close ties between Powerus and the Trump family raise ethical questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially as the company seeks federal contracts that could directly benefit the President’s sons. Don Jr. is actively involved in federal contracting firms through 1789 Capital, a venture capital fund that has aggressively invested in companies seeking government contracts.
Such associations have drawn criticism, with public figures questioning the fairness of Powerus’s selection of a Trump-owned company for its merger. Co-founder Velicovich remarked, “Our focus is 100% on getting the right technology in the hands of the warfighter, regardless of who the investors are.”
Conclusion: Navigating Ethical Concerns in Government Contracting
While Powerus continues to grow and position itself as a major player in the defense industry, the ethical implications of its ownership and its pursuit of federal contracts remain a contentious issue. As the company moves forward, transparent practices and clear separations between business interests and political influence will be critical in addressing public concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2026/03/11/trumps-drone-maker/