When American Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency mining company, announced plans this week to go public on the Nasdaq stock exchange, it marked a “major milestone” not only for the firm itself but also for one of its key stakeholders—Dominari Holdings. The little-known investment company recently added a high-profile figure to its advisory board: Donald Trump Jr. This development underscores Trump Jr.’s rapid evolution from a relatively low-profile family member into a prominent and influential power broker in Washington, D.C.
Since President Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, Donald Trump Jr., alongside his younger brother Eric (also an adviser at Dominari), has seized numerous lucrative opportunities across industries ranging from firearms to drones and digital healthcare. Trump Jr. has joined at least eight corporate boards and advisory committees, leveraging his family’s political clout and recognizable brand to bolster these companies’ profiles—and stock valuations.
Sean Spicer, the former press secretary during Trump’s first term and a close observer of Trump Jr., described him as “the most prominent non-elected representative of the MAGA base hands down.” Spicer noted that Trump Jr. has become the number one surrogate and a key power player in the ecosystem surrounding the Trump administration, second only to the president himself.
The clearest symbol of Trump Jr.’s rising stature came last month with the launch of an exclusive private club named “Executive Branch.” At its debut event in Washington, A-list guests mingled over cocktails and caviar, including high-ranking officials such as Senator Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, and FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Membership reportedly carries a staggering $500,000 fee—a price tag that positions the club as an elite venue where politics, business, and influence converge.
Government watchdogs and ethics experts quickly voiced concerns about the club and Trump Jr.’s growing private-sector footprint. Columbia Law School’s Joseph Briffaut called the situation unprecedented, saying, “I don’t think there has ever been anything comparable to this use of the presidency to advance private business interests.” Critics argue that Trump Jr.’s ventures further entrench a pay-to-play culture in Washington, where access to power can be bought.
Brett Kappel, a veteran election lawyer, called the mingling of private business and government “unseemly,” warning it risks eroding public trust in the government’s commitment to serve the public interest.
Melanie Sloan, a former federal prosecutor and longtime advocate for stronger ethics regulations, viewed the “Executive Branch” club as “a blatant play to cash in with interest groups seeking access to the Trump administration.” She said bluntly, “This is literally members bringing money into the pockets of Donald Trump Jr. and his business partners.”
Trump Jr.’s defenders, however, push back against allegations of influence peddling. One source familiar with the club’s concept noted that its exclusivity means its members are already well connected, countering the idea that the club is a vehicle for lobbying newcomers. Trump Jr. himself dismissed claims he is exploiting his family name for profit, saying, “I’m a private citizen who has been a businessman my entire life,” and that critics expect him to “lock myself in a padded room and cease what I’ve been doing for over 25 years to earn a living and provide for my five children.”
The White House also maintains that Trump Jr.’s private business dealings comply with ethical standards, emphasizing that the president’s assets are held in a family-controlled trust.
Beyond the social club, Trump Jr.’s influence permeates a broad array of business ventures. He has aggressively expanded the Trump family’s footprint in cryptocurrency, real estate, and other sectors aligned with conservative political causes. Notably, he has eclipsed sister Ivanka Trump and brother-in-law Jared Kushner as the family’s most politically savvy and publicly visible figure in Washington.
Recently, Trump Jr. embarked on a whirlwind trip through Serbia, Hungary, and Bulgaria, engaging with government officials and overseeing real estate interests. Back home, his relationship with financier and mega-donor Omeed Malik, co-founder with Trump Jr. of the Executive Branch club, has led to his involvement in Malik’s venture capital firm, 1789 Capital. This firm publicly declares its mission to invest in conservative businesses while rejecting what it calls “woke capitalism.”
Trump Jr.’s board appointments often trigger a tangible “Trump bump.” For example, Dominari Holdings’ stock soared 83% upon announcing his and Eric’s advisory roles, later stabilizing at a level significantly above its pre-appointment price. CEO Kyle Wood credited their “strategic insight” as instrumental in steering the company toward growth industries like AI and data centers—sectors benefiting from deregulation under the Trump administration.
Similarly, Unusual Machines, a Florida-based drone manufacturer focused on reducing U.S. dependence on Chinese imports, saw its stock nearly double following Trump Jr.’s board appointment. CEO Allan Evans made clear, however, that he would not expect Trump Jr. to lobby government agencies on the company’s behalf.
Trump Jr. and his supporters reject comparisons to controversial presidential relatives such as Billy Carter, Neil Bush, or Hunter Biden. He insists his business career predates his father’s presidency, underscoring his entrepreneurial credentials and strategic decisions. “I joined a Venture Capital Firm that invests in private American companies—nothing to do with the government,” he stated on social media, directly addressing allegations of impropriety.
Spicer, who closely observed Trump Jr.’s rise during the 2020 campaign, praised his unique combination of business acumen and political savvy. “If the phone rings and it’s Don Jr., you better pick it up on the first ring,” he said. Trump Jr. became a dynamic campaign presence, fully embodying the MAGA brand and energizing supporters with sharp political instincts and grassroots appeal.
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet echoed this sentiment, saying, “Don Jr. isn’t just a billionaire’s son, he’s one of us,” highlighting his ability to resonate authentically with the MAGA base.
Trump Jr.’s dual role—powerful insider and private entrepreneur—makes him a uniquely influential figure. His close ties to tech titans like Elon Musk and David O. Sacks, a key Silicon Valley investor and current White House Crypto and AI czar, further extend his reach into critical innovation sectors. Sacks also became the first official member of the Executive Branch club, illustrating the blend of political, business, and tech elites that Trump Jr. cultivates.
As the Trump administration advances deregulation and reshapes Washington’s political landscape, Donald Trump Jr. continues to build a powerful network bridging politics and business, reinforcing his position as a central figure in the evolving MAGA ecosystem.
Donald Trump Jr. has transformed from a relatively low-profile presidential son into a major Washington power broker with significant influence in politics, business, and conservative circles. His involvement with exclusive ventures like the Executive Branch club and strategic board appointments has drawn both criticism for blurring ethical lines and admiration for savvy entrepreneurship. As the Trump family deepens its integration of governance and business, Trump Jr.’s role stands as a defining element of the current administration’s power dynamics.
