ABC News recently adjusted a previously removed report that examined business dealings involving Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Initially published earlier this week, the article faced criticism for inaccuracies and was removed soon after.
The initial report, headlined “Trump sons’ investments have won billions in Pentagon contracts since his election,” appeared Wednesday afternoon. ABC News deleted the piece less than a day later without any immediate public clarification.
On Friday, a revised version of the report appeared on ABC News’ website. It included an editor’s note, factual corrections, and bore a new headline: “New shipyard announced amid earlier Democratic concerns about potential conflicts of interest.”
“Editor’s Note: CORRECTION: A version of this story published on Oct. 7 contained errors in the description of certain company investments, government contracts and event chronologies,” the statement read. “This version contains corrected information and additional context regarding some of those investments, contracts and events.”
Media figures criticized ABC News for initially removing the report without public explanation. Alexa Henning, a spokesperson for 1789 Capital, disputed the original story’s portrayal of the firm’s investments, asserting that “1789 Capital does not have a ‘major stake’ in Anduril.” Henning explained that the reporter confused fundraising with direct investment by 1789, which are distinct actions.
The revised article corrected the errors, clarifying that the incorrectly attributed $2.5 billion investment was the total amount Anduril raised the previous year, not from 1789 Capital.
The article further clarified Trump’s business role. It noted that Trump Jr. isn’t on the committee that makes investment decisions. ABC News reported in its earlier version that 1789 Capital had claimed a major stake in Anduril based on a $2.5 billion investment. However, the updated report explained that Trump Jr.’s firm had previously invested $50 million in Anduril, assessed at approximately $60 billion.
After the article’s removal, Trump Jr. ridiculed California Gov. Gavin Newsom on social media, citing the withdrawal as evidence of false reporting.
Pershing Square Capital Management’s CEO Bill Ackman criticized ABC News for the quiet removal without public correction, asserting the need for transparency and accountability in journalism.
Fox News Digital reached out to ABC News, Trump Jr., and 1789 Capital for comments.
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