ABC News Deletes Report on Trump Sons' Defense Ties

ABC News published and subsequently deleted an investigative report alleging that defense companies linked to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump secured more than $6 billion in government contracts. The report specifically claimed that 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm where Donald Trump Jr. is a partner, held a major stake in AI defense company Anduril Industries, which reportedly received approximately $1.8 billion in agreements.

Alexa Henning, a spokesperson for 1789 Capital, denied the claims and accused the network of lacking financial literacy. Henning stated the reporter conflated total funding rounds with specific investments by the firm and noted that the companies received contracts under both the Biden and Trump administrations. She warned that lawyers would be involved if inaccuracies were not addressed.

California Governor Gavin Newsom shared the article before its removal, claiming the American people were fleeced. Donald Trump Jr. mocked the governor and asserted the network deleted the story because it was false. A source told TheWrap the piece was published prematurely and removed while reporting was being finalized. The United States Department of Defense stated that political connections play no role in its funding decisions.