# Pentagon Awards $3.2B Contracts to Trump-Backed Firms

The Department of Defense has awarded over **$3.2 billion** in contracts, with an additional **$3.1 billion in future options**, to defense and technology companies backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump since the 2024 election. Notable contracts include a **$900 million Navy deal to Hadrian** for submarine components and a **$620 million loan to Vulcan Elements** from the DoD's Office of Strategic Capital. Despite allegations of preferential treatment linked to political connections, Pentagon and White House officials have denied any conflicts of interest or influence in funding decisions.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should be aware of the significant contract awards to firms with high-profile political investor backing, which may influence competitive dynamics in defense contracting.
- The involvement of companies like SpaceX, Anduril, and Hadrian highlights ongoing investment in advanced defense technologies and submarine systems.
- Organizations should consider the potential for increased scrutiny and transparency requirements in contracts involving politically connected investors.
- Contractors and vendors may find opportunities in subcontracting or partnerships with these awardees as they expand their government work.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** July 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. Navy
- White House
- Office of Strategic Capital

### Vendors
- SpaceX (Awardee)
- Anduril (Awardee)
- Hadrian (Awardee)
- Vulcan Elements (Awardee)
- 1789 Capital (Investor)

### Key Quotes
> No company receives preferential treatment 3 outside affiliations, investors or political connections play absolutely no role in the departments funding decisions.
> — Joel Valdez, Pentagon spokesman

> This is the same tired narrative that Democrats have pushed against President Trump, his family and his administration for a decade. There are no conflicts of interest.
> — Anna Kelly, White House principal deputy press secretary

> There are zero conflicts at 1789 3 where no one has ever served in government 3 unlike the clear conflicts of top-level Democrats who have specifically monetised their government experience.
> — Chandler Costello, spokesman for 1789 Capital

### Sources
- [Trump’s sons invested in defence firms awarded $3.2bn by Pentagon](https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/trump-sons-eric-donald-jr-1789-capital-ccnsl9mq8) - The Times