ABC News Faces Criticism for Deleting Trump Sons’ Business Report

ABC News recently deleted a report scrutinizing the business activities of Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, following legal pressure. The removal of the article has left some demanding an explanation or editorial note, which ABC News has yet to provide.

The report, previously accessible via the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, alleged that Trump Jr. and Eric Trump were linked to significant investments. It highlighted Anduril, a company aiming to develop a Baltimore shipyard, with ties to the Trump brothers. The article claimed a venture capital firm, 1789 Capital, included Trump Jr. as a partner and held a substantial stake in Anduril after a $2.5 billion investment in 2025.

The deleted report stated that since this investment, Anduril secured 135 other U.S. government contracts, totaling about $1.8 billion, as per records on SAM.gov, the official platform for government contracting.

Anduril is among the largest manufacturers receiving investments from Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, although not exclusively.

Alexa Henning, representing 1789 Capital, publicly criticized the report. She clarified that 1789 Capital did not have a major stake in Anduril, describing the report as biased. Henning pointed out the reporter’s confusion between fundraising and investment, two different processes.

Henning argued that numerous companies involved in the funding round received government contracts during both Trump and Biden administrations, refuting claims of wrongdoing by Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

ABC News removed the story and an associated social media post following the backlash. The page now indicates non-existence or unavailability, leaving the public without a formal correction or detailed explanation.

Henning addressed Fox News Digital post-removal, expressing gratitude for the story’s deletion but demanding transparency around its original publication. She noted her detailed email to ABC News pointing out the report’s inaccuracies and warning of potential legal action.

Henning stressed the importance of understanding 1789 Capital, which she claimed many reporters misunderstand. Trump Jr. commented on the situation online, replying to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who had shared the initial ABC News story.

Trump Jr. remarked, “ABC deleted this article in less than 24 hours because it’s false. Sounds about as long as your presidential campaign would last.”

Story contributions by Morgan Phillips and Brian Flood are noted, with Flood offering media insights and availability for story tips via email or Twitter.