A golf club company backed by Donald Trump's sons is merging with drone manufacturer Powerus in a deal designed to take the drone technology firm public. The merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings is the latest move by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr into the drone sector, following a $1.5bn tie-up last month between Israeli drone maker Xtend and Florida-based JFB Construction Holdings.
Drones have become a major procurement priority for the Pentagon and are widely used in Ukraine, where dense air defence systems near the frontlines limit the deployment of conventional aircraft. This growing reliance has drawn significant Silicon Valley funding into drone and military artificial intelligence startups, boosting valuations of US companies such as Anduril Industries and Shield AI.
Powerus, formed in 2025 by Andrew Fox, makes heavy-lift drones that can carry industrial payloads up to 675kg. The company also offers services to transform existing staffed boats into remotely operated or fully autonomous vessels. Fox is expected to serve as chief executive officer and chair of the combined company, according to an SEC filing.
In connection with the planned merger, Aureus has engaged Dominari Securities to help raise about $9m in financing. Dominari counts both Trump brothers among its shareholders, each holding roughly a 6% stake. The merger could be terminated by either company if it does not close by the end of 2026.
This is the latest in the Trump family's business moves, carried out even while Donald Trump helms the White House. Ethics experts have raised concerns over the family's intensified business dealings during his second term, moving beyond hotels and golf courses into crypto, energy and financial services. Unlike typical US presidents who put assets into a blind trust, Trump gave his adult sons control over his businesses, which experts say is insufficient to prevent conflicts of interest.
