ABC News added an editor’s note along with corrections to a previously deleted report discussing the investments of Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, which included a stake in Anduril owned by 1789 Capital. The report was originally published earlier in the week and removed after its accuracy was questioned.
The initial publication, titled ‘Trump sons’ investments have won billions in Pentagon contracts since his election,’ appeared on Wednesday. However, less than a day later, ABC News removed it without public explanation. On Friday evening, a revised version was posted with a new headline: ‘New shipyard announced amid earlier Democratic concerns about potential conflicts of interest.’
An editor’s note was added, acknowledging inaccuracies related to descriptions of investments, government contracts, and timeline events. The note said, ‘After subsequent reporting, this version contains corrected information and additional context regarding some of those investments, contracts, and events.’
The deletion and quiet return of the report without initial public clarification drew criticism from various media industry figures. Among the critics was Alexa Henning, a spokesperson for 1789 Capital. Henning contested the report’s description of her firm’s investments, stating that ‘1789 Capital does not have a ‘major stake’ in Anduril.’ Henning criticized the report for conflating raising funds with making an investment, describing these as separate actions.
Donald Trump Jr., who partners with 1789 Capital, was initially attributed with a $2.5 billion investment in Anduril. However, the revised report clarified that this amount reflected Anduril’s total funding for the previous year. It also specified that Trump Jr. is not on the investment decision-making committee of the venture firm.
Following the initial removal, Trump Jr. commented through social media, ridiculing the removal and likening it to the potential short duration of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s presidential campaign.
Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, criticized ABC News on social media for failing to issue a public correction when withdrawing the article. Ackman pointed out the necessity of adhering to journalistic ethics by providing proper error acknowledgment.
Fox News Digital asked ABC News, Trump Jr., and 1789 Capital for comments. Journalist Julia Bonavita, a media and culture writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to coverage and offered contact information for story tips.