In an unexpected turn of events, Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of US president-elect Donald Trump, has been appointed as an adviser to Unusual Machines, a little-known drone manufacturing company based in Florida. The announcement sparked an immediate surge in the firm’s stock price, more than doubling in a matter of hours on the New York Stock Exchange.
‘Unique Expertise’ or Conflict of Interest?
Unusual Machines CEO Allan Evans touted Trump Jr’s credentials in a press release, describing the president’s son as a “globally recognized business leader” who would “bring a wealth of experience” to the company. Evans emphasized the need to “bring drone component manufacturing back to America” and wean the industry off its dependence on Chinese imports.
However, the appointment raises potential conflict of interest questions, given that Trump Jr is now both an adviser and the second-largest shareholder in Unusual Machines according to an SEC filing. His father, the incoming president, has long railed against China and vowed to slap heavy tariffs on Chinese goods – putting Trump Jr in an awkward position given the drone company’s own admission of being “heavily dependent on Chinese imports” for its products and operations.
“Don Jr joining our board of advisors provides us unique expertise we need as we bring drone component manufacturing back to America,” said Allan Evans, chief executive of Unusual Machines.
Trump Jr’s Rising Political Influence
Donald Trump Jr has emerged as an increasingly influential figure in conservative political circles following his father’s 2020 election defeat. While his sister Ivanka Trump and brother-in-law Jared Kushner have distanced themselves from the elder Trump in the wake of the January 6th Capitol riots, Trump Jr has doubled down on his role as a MAGA leader and kingmaker.
Many credit Trump Jr with helping steer Ohio Senator JD Vance to victory in this year’s midterm elections over the Democratic ticket led by Vice President Kamala Harris. His growing clout has fueled speculation that Trump Jr himself may have future political ambitions, perhaps even following in his father’s footsteps with a presidential run.
Heavy Reliance on Chinese Manufacturing
But the newly-minted adviser’s lofty rhetoric about bringing jobs back to America clashes with the reality of Unusual Machines’ supply chain, which is dominated by Chinese manufacturing. In its SEC disclosures, the company acknowledges that “a substantial majority” of its drone products are made using Chinese vendors, with its “primary contract manufacturer” being Shenzhen Fat Shark Technology based in China.
This leaves Unusual Machines vulnerable to the incoming Trump administration’s plans for aggressive trade action against China. With Trump Jr now having a personal financial stake in the company, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the tension between his father’s “America First” agenda and protecting his own business interests.
Weathering the Storms Ahead
For now though, investors seem bullish on the Trump Jr effect. Unusual Machines’ stock price has skyrocketed on news of his appointment as adviser and major shareholder. The company no doubt hopes the presidential scion’s involvement will give it an edge as it looks to compete in the cutthroat and rapidly-evolving drone industry.
But storm clouds loom on the horizon – from the current president-elect’s vendetta against China to the potential for conflicts of interest and influence peddling. As Donald Trump Jr sets out to make his mark in the business world separate from his family empire, he may find himself flying into turbulent headwinds. Only time will tell if he can skillfully pilot Unusual Machines to success while navigating the treacherous political and economic landscape taking shape in Washington.
