ABC News recently deleted a report critical of business dealings by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, without providing an explanation or editor’s note. The report, previously accessible through the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, alleged that the Trump sons’ investments led to significant Pentagon contracts since Donald Trump’s election.
The deleted piece claimed that 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm including Donald Trump Jr. as one of six partners, acquired a stake in Anduril after a $2.5 billion investment. The company, known for its involvement in a new Baltimore shipyard, reportedly secured numerous government contracts.
A spokesperson for 1789 Capital, Alexa Henning, responded on social media, criticizing the report as biased. She clarified that the article confused raising funds with investing, and emphasized that many companies contributing to funding rounds receive government contracts under various administrations.
“Here’s a small lesson, as explained to ABC: the ‘reporter’ confused fund-raising with investment. These are distinct actions,” wrote Henning.
The report drew attention to 135 contracts awarded to Anduril, amounting to nearly $1.8 billion. However, Henning indicated that many contracts were granted during both the Biden and Trump administrations, countering allegations of misconduct by the Trump brothers.
Following legal threats, ABC News removed the story from its website. The report’s link now returns an error message indicating the page is unavailable. ABC News has yet to comment or correct the record publicly.
Henning disclosed to Fox News Digital that ABC was not contacted for a comment before the story’s release. She provided the network with a detailed email highlighting inaccuracies and legal implications, which contributed to the article’s removal.
Donald Trump Jr., reacting to California Governor Gavin Newsom sharing the initial report, noted its removal for inaccuracy. He added that the duration of the article’s availability likened to the expected length of Newsom’s presidential campaign.
For further inquiries, media editor Brian Flood from FOX News Digital is available for contact.