Donald Trump Jr has joined the advisory board of Polymarket, the world’s largest prediction market, as part of a strategic investment from the self-described “anti-ESG” investment fund.
The news marks the second prediction market the 47-year-old Trump Organization executive vice president has joined as an advisor after becoming an advisor in Polymarket rival Kalshi in January.
With both prediction markets being dependent on goodwill from the White House and federal government more broadly to provide it with a friendly regulatory environment, especially amid contentious legal battles over the status of sports contracts, some observers have in the past raised eyebrows at Trump Jr.’s involvement in the space.
The investment firm, which focuses on funding American innovation companies with conservative values, did not disclose the financial terms of its investment.
The partnership marks another important step forward for Polymarket, which is currently in the process of returning to the US under the Trump Administration’s more open approach to the vertical after exiting in 2022 following an agreement with the federal government.
Trump Jr said: “Polymarket is the largest prediction market in the world, and the U.S. needs access to this important platform. Polymarket cuts through media spin and so-called ‘expert’ opinion by letting people bet on what they actually believe will happen in the world.
“I am pleased that 1789 Capital is investing in Polymarket and am honoured to join the company’s advisory board. I look forward to working with the team to advance its mission of bringing truth and transparency to everyone – including the US.”
Trump Jr, who serves as a partner at 1789 Capital, was highlighted as bringing “business innovation and strategic perspective” experience to the Polymarket advisory role, although cynics might suggest his regulatory influence may prove more useful.
Polymarket CEO, Shayne Coplan, said: “This strategic investment marks a significant milestone for Polymarket. Our long-term partnership with 1789 Capital will help reinforce Polymarket’s leading position as a trusted source of free, transparent and accurate market information in the U.S. and around the world.
“We are proud to formally welcome 1789 Capital as a strategic partner and Donald Trump Jr. to our advisory board as we continue building our platform to reflect real-world sentiment, in real time, for all to see.”
Polymarket US market re-entry plans
The announcement comes after Polymarket completed its $112m acquisition of QCEX, a CFTC-licensed exchange and clearinghouse, enabling its planned return to the US market.
The platform has also established a partnership with X as its official prediction market partner.
Omeed Malik, 1789 Capital founder, added: “1789 Capital looks to invest in companies that are entrepreneurial, innovative, and demonstrate great potential for growth. Polymarket meets each of these criteria.
“Polymarket stands at the intersection of free expression and financial innovation by empowering individuals with real-time truth in a world clouded by noise, and we are proud to support its vision.”
Since launching in 2020, Polymarket has experienced substantial growth with users making approximately $6bn in trades during the first half of 2025.
The news comes following the announcement that one of the final remaining CFTC commissioners, Kristin Johnson, announcing she will be leaving the US derivatives regulator.
This leaves just the prediction markets-friendly acting chair Caroline Pham in post, in potentially good news for sports contracts.
Dingnews.com 01/09/2025