In a session that left the audience fully engaged, Donald Trump Jr. and Omid Malik, co-founders of 1789 Capital, shared insights on the shifting economic and political landscape in the United States and the Middle East. Moderated by Sky Yelakeim, the panel explored topics ranging from patriotic capitalism to international investment strategies.
“1789 is more than just a name,” explained Malik. “In the U.S., 1789 marks the introduction of the Bill of Rights, a uniquely American document that grants essential freedoms. That’s central to how we approach everything at our fund.”
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Trump Jr. added context on the fund’s inception: “Don and I launched 1789 during the Biden administration because we saw an unholy alliance between big tech and the federal government undermining constitutional protections, particularly the First Amendment. Meanwhile, venture capital wasn’t stepping up; we saw firms like Sequoia Capital creating China only funds. We said no, we had to create something different.”
The conversation naturally turned to U.S. China relations. “This is 100% about competition with China,” said Trump Jr. “A weak America is bad for the world. During my father’s first nine months, he resolved conflicts most Americans didn’t even know existed. Powerful entities profit from war, not peace. We wanted 1789 to invest in companies that uphold fundamental freedoms worldwide.”
On the decline of the American middle class, Malik noted, “Outsourcing to China, ESG policies, and wokeism eroded shareholder value while trillions were spent on Middle East wars with little to show for it. That’s part of why President Trump won, he called out China and opposed unnecessary wars.”
The panel also addressed critical minerals and industrial strategy. “American companies must actively engage,” said Trump Jr. “China’s investments in Africa often crumble over time. There’s an opportunity for fair, sustainable American investment. 1789 Capital supports re-industrialization, but not the old economy; we’re focused on AI and national security.”
Turning to the Middle East, Trump Jr. praised Qatar’s role in ceasefire talks. “Qatar brought in key actors for peace without worrying about PR. We need more partners willing to prioritize resolution over image.” On reconstruction, he added, “My father is a builder. The private sector and governments alike must contribute, America alone can’t cover everything.”
On Ukraine, Trump Jr. struck a pragmatic tone: “I don’t think Ukraine will be abandoned, but the American public has little appetite for funding wars abroad. The goal is peace and stopping death, with all stakeholders involved.”
Malik emphasized domestic priorities, citing the fentanyl crisis: “Bombing drug boats in the Caribbean could prevent over 100,000 deaths annually, yet political opposition persists. Common sense often matters more than bureaucracy.”
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Closing on global strategy, Trump Jr. highlighted lessons from Afghanistan: “The U.S. spent nearly $300 billion funding groups that fueled radicalization. Neutralizing threats like Russia while focusing on China is essential for long term security.”
The session offered an unfiltered look into 1789 Capital’s approach to investment, blending patriotic principles, global strategy, and a focus on practical outcomes over political posturing.
