Eric Trump, the president's son, once again places the family at the center of public debate. Eric Trump announced his investment in a $1.5 billion merger between Israeli drone manufacturer Xtend and US construction company JFB Construction Holdings, a deal that aims to strengthen technology production in the United States and pave the way for a possible IPO. The transaction, announced in a corporate statement, combines Xtend's technology platform and artificial intelligence capabilities with JFB's infrastructure and real estate development expertise. JFB, a Florida-based company, has built commercial and residential complexes in several states. “I am incredibly proud to invest in companies I believe in. Drones are clearly the trend of the future,” said Eric Trump, emphasizing the potential he sees in the Israeli firm. Contracts with the Department of Defense: Xtend is not an unknown player in Washington. The company has secured contracts with the Department of Defense, including an agreement announced last November, the value of which was not publicly disclosed. In December 2024, the firm secured another $8.8 million contract with the Pentagon. This same month, the company was selected from among 25 companies to join the Department of Defense's Drone Dominance Program, an initiative designed to accelerate the acquisition of low-cost, mass-deployable drones. The Israeli company promotes its systems as "low cost-per-shoot" drones, highlighting their operational efficiency in combat scenarios. According to international news reports, its devices have been used by the Israeli Army in operations in Gaza, including reconnaissance and mapping of underground tunnels. If the merger goes through, Xtend would combine its technology with JFB's infrastructure, whose portfolio includes commercial developments.multifamily communities and hotel projects in Florida and other states. The company maintained that the operation will position the new entity to compete for more federal contracts and eventually list on the U.S. public stock exchanges.

Renewed criticism over potential conflicts of interest

The investment has generated immediate questions among government ethics experts and watchdog organizations. They point out that the involvement of the president's son in a company with active contracts—and aspirations to expand them—with the federal government could raise conflicts of interest during Trump's second term.

Analysts recall that, historically, presidents have sought to avoid even the appearance of personal or familial gain derived from the office. In this case, they argue, the proximity between private businesses and defense contracts intensifies public scrutiny.

The criticisms add to other controversies related to the business dealings of the presidential family while the president remains in office. Although no evidence of legal irregularities has been presented, experts warn that public perception is a key factor in institutional trust. For now, neither the White House nor representatives of the Trump Organization have issued further comments on the transaction. Meanwhile, the merger between Xtend and JFB is progressing as one of the most significant business ventures linked to the president's family, in a strategic sector that combines technology, defense, and private capital in full expansion.Experts warn that public perception is a key factor in institutional trust. For now, neither the White House nor representatives of the Trump Organization have issued further comments on the transaction. Meanwhile, the merger between Xtend and JFB is progressing as one of the most significant business ventures linked to the president's family, in a strategic sector that combines technology, defense, and rapidly expanding private capital.Experts warn that public perception is a key factor in institutional trust. For now, neither the White House nor representatives of the Trump Organization have issued further comments on the transaction. Meanwhile, the merger between Xtend and JFB is progressing as one of the most significant business ventures linked to the president's family, in a strategic sector that combines technology, defense, and rapidly expanding private capital.