Trump Sons' Drone Company Targets Gulf States Amid Iranian Attacks

Powerus, a drone manufacturing company co-founded by U.S. Army veterans and backed by Donald Trump's sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., is actively marketing its drone interceptors to Gulf countries currently under threat from Iranian attacks. This initiative comes in the context of a broader conflict initiated by U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. The Gulf nations, facing increasing drone and missile strikes from Iran, are seeking advanced defense technologies to bolster their security.

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Powerus has been conducting demonstrations of its drone interceptors across several Gulf countries, showcasing technology designed to protect against Iranian strikes. Brett Velicovich, co-founder of Powerus, emphasized the urgency of these demonstrations, stating, "Our team is doing many demos across the Middle East right now for our interceptors." The company is positioned to compete for a $1.1 billion Pentagon program aimed at enhancing U.S. drone manufacturing capabilities, following a ban on Chinese drone imports during the Trump administration.

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The backdrop of this sales effort is a significant escalation in hostilities between Iran and the U.S.-led coalition, which includes Israel. Iranian forces have targeted critical infrastructure in Gulf states, including oil refineries and desalination plants, resulting in fires and injuries. For instance, Kuwait's largest oil refinery was attacked, and emergency services were deployed to manage the aftermath. The conflict has also led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, exacerbating global oil prices.

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Eric Trump defended the family's involvement in Powerus, stating, "I am incredibly proud to invest in companies I believe in. Drones are clearly the wave of the future." However, critics, including former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter, have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, suggesting that the Trump family could profit from a war initiated by their father without Congressional approval.

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Critics argue that the Trump family's business dealings during a time of war raise ethical questions. Painter remarked, "This is going to be the first family of a president to make a lot of money off war." The implications of these business interests have sparked debates about the appropriateness of such ventures amid ongoing military conflicts.

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While Powerus has not disclosed specific countries involved in its sales pitches, reports indicate that several Gulf nations are actively seeking advanced defense technologies. Additionally, there are discrepancies in the reporting of Iranian attacks, with some sources indicating a higher number of casualties and damage than officially acknowledged by affected nations.

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As the conflict continues, Gulf states are likely to increase their procurement of defense technologies, including those offered by Powerus. Military planners from various nations are set to meet to discuss strategies for securing the Strait of Hormuz and enhancing regional defense capabilities against Iranian threats. The ongoing situation will require close monitoring as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions unfold.

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• “Our military… hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran,” — President Donald Trump

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• “This is going to be the first family of a president to make a lot of money off war — a war he didn't get the consent of Congress for.” — Richard Painter, former White House ethics lawyer

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• “I am incredibly proud to invest in companies I believe in. Drones are clearly the wave of the future.” — Eric Trump, Powerus investor

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