Donald Trump Jr.'s decision to join 1789 Capital, a conservative-leaning venture capital firm, marks a significant shift in his career as he opts for a prominent role in the private sector rather than pursuing a position in his father's second White House administration. His move underscores the growing influence of the "parallel economy" concept, which seeks to support businesses that align with traditional conservative values while pushing back against progressive ideologies like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
Trump Jr. will reportedly join 1789 Capital as a partner, according to reports from The New York Times and Bloomberg. He made this announcement to a group of conservative supporters at a conference organized by the Rockbridge Network, an influential political advocacy group. His decision reflects a broader trend among conservatives seeking to build a "patriot economy" that champions businesses upholding values such as family, freedom, and American traditions.
1789 Capital, based in Palm Beach, Florida, was co-founded in 2022 by Omeed Malik, a former executive at Bank of America, and Christopher Buskirk, an author and investor. Both Malik and Buskirk have long been supportive of conservative causes, including backing Donald Trump's presidential campaigns. The firm positions itself as staunchly "anti-ESG," meaning it rejects the growing trend among many companies to adopt environmental sustainability and social responsibility frameworks in favor of profit-driven investment strategies. Instead, 1789 Capital prioritizes "EIG"—Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Growth—which focuses on disrupting traditional industries weighed down by excessive regulation and bureaucracy.
1789 Capital's anti-ESG stance is a key part of its investment philosophy. ESG has become an increasingly influential framework for evaluating companies, with investors and stakeholders calling for businesses to focus on environmental stewardship, social equity, and corporate governance. However, conservatives, including Trump Jr., have raised concerns that ESG policies prioritize social and environmental issues at the expense of shareholder returns and traditional American values. 1789 Capital aims to counter this trend by focusing on companies that reject ESG and instead support economic models that champion innovation and deregulation.
In practical terms, this means that 1789 Capital seeks out investments in sectors and industries that have been harmed by ESG-driven policies. For example, the firm may invest in companies that challenge environmental regulations or those that seek to disrupt industries burdened by government oversight. This emphasis on deglobalization is another important element of 1789 Capital's strategy. By backing businesses that seek to reduce reliance on global supply chains, the firm aims to foster a more localized and independent economy, one that aligns with conservative principles of national sovereignty and economic self-reliance.
While 1789 Capital does not explicitly list all of its investments, some of its key initiatives have already captured attention. One of the firm’s notable investments is in Tucker Carlson Today, the media venture launched by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson after his departure from Fox News. The firm led a $15 million seed funding round for Carlson's project, signaling its focus on conservative media and digital platforms that cater to a right-leaning audience. In fact, 1789 Capital has been vocal about its intent to create media outlets similar to Fox News, but for a new generation of conservative consumers. This investment in the media sector is part of a broader strategy to create a "parallel economy" that offers alternatives to businesses and platforms perceived as liberal or "woke."
Beyond media, 1789 Capital has also invested in companies such as BlinkRx, a health-tech startup focused on simplifying the prescription delivery process. These types of investments align with the firm’s broader objective of supporting sectors that are seen as underrepresented or underfunded in the traditional investment ecosystem, particularly in industries that challenge or disrupt the status quo.
Trump Jr.'s involvement with 1789 Capital is also significant because of his longstanding support for the parallel economy concept. This movement advocates for businesses that reject progressive ideologies and instead focus on conservative principles, often referred to as "patriot businesses." Trump Jr.'s support for this concept was evident in his backing of PublicSquare, an online marketplace that connects consumers with businesses that share traditional American values. PublicSquare’s platform has strict requirements for businesses to commit to core values such as the sanctity of life, the importance of the family unit, and adherence to the U.S. Constitution.
Trump Jr. and Malik’s shared interest in PublicSquare underscores their commitment to creating alternatives to mainstream platforms that, in their view, have been captured by progressive interests. The partnership between Trump Jr. and Malik highlights the intersection of conservative politics and the venture capital world, where financial support is used not only for profit but also to advance ideological objectives.
Both 1789 Capital’s co-founders, Malik and Buskirk, have strong political ties to the Trump family. Malik, in particular, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, having co-hosted a fundraising event for the 2020 presidential campaign that raised more than $10 million. His background as a former executive at Bank of America and founder of the boutique investment bank Farvahar Partners has positioned him as a significant player in conservative financial circles. Buskirk, likewise, has contributed to Trump’s campaign and is an advocate for the conservative economic principles championed by 1789 Capital.
Trump Jr.'s decision to join 1789 Capital is not just about business—it is also a strategic move that ties him further to a network of conservative donors, investors, and influencers. As the eldest son of the president-elect, his involvement with the firm solidifies his position as a key player in the growing movement to create a parallel economy that challenges the influence of progressivism in both business and politics.
In sum, Donald Trump Jr.’s choice to partner with 1789 Capital represents more than just a career shift—it’s a deliberate move to align himself with a venture that actively pushes back against the progressive ideologies that are increasingly shaping corporate America. By focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, and deglobalization, 1789 Capital and Trump Jr. aim to foster a business ecosystem that supports conservative values and challenges the dominance of ESG and other progressive investment principles. With his new role, Trump Jr. is not only positioning himself as a leading figure in the conservative business world but also reinforcing the ideological battle over the future of American capitalism.
