Donald Trump Jr. is expanding his presence in the prediction market space by joining the advisory board of Polymarket, one of the industry’s leading platforms. The move follows a substantial investment by 1789 Capital, the venture capital firm where Trump Jr. is a partner.
The investment, described as being in the “double-digit millions” but with no exact figure disclosed, marks a strategic partnership between 1789 Capital and Polymarket. In announcing the move Tuesday, Polymarket said Trump Jr. will now play an advisory role in the company’s efforts to grow its reach and legitimacy — particularly in the U.S. market, where it is currently restricted.
“Polymarket is the largest prediction market in the world, and the U.S. needs access to this important platform,” Trump Jr. said in the release. “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 honored to join the company’s advisory board.”
Polymarket Targets U.S. Relaunch with Regulatory Progress
Though U.S. users currently can’t legally place bets on Polymarket, the platform has been laying groundwork for a domestic return. In July, it acquired QCEX, a small exchange licensed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a move that may allow it to legally reenter the U.S. market.
This follows several high-profile developments — including being cleared in a federal investigation and partnering with X (formerly Twitter) as its official prediction market. Polymarket now offers a waitlist for Americans interested in accessing the platform once regulations permit.
Polymarket founder and CEO Shayne Coplan welcomed Trump Jr. to the board, saying, “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.”
Dual Roles at Competing Platforms Raise Eyebrows
Trump Jr.’s appointment to Polymarket’s board puts him in a unique position: he’s also a strategic advisor at Kalshi, Polymarket’s primary U.S. competitor. Although Trump Jr. is not an investor in Kalshi, his influence at both companies raises questions about overlapping interests.
Kalshi, which has faced regulatory scrutiny, has been pushing to expand offerings such as sports event contracts — a point of contention with regulators and gaming authorities. Trump Jr. joined Kalshi in January, just before it self-certified new betting contracts with the CFTC.
His involvement has already sparked concern in Washington. During a Senate confirmation hearing, Sen. Cory Booker questioned whether CFTC nominee Brian Quintenz, also a Kalshi board member, could remain impartial.
“I’m worried you’re going to be in a position where — as chairman — are you going to feel empowered to push back on a company that is being advised by the president’s son?” Booker said.
Billion-Dollar Backing and Political Ties
Polymarket recently completed a $200 million funding round led by Founders Fund, the firm co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, a longtime ally of Donald Trump. The investment valued Polymarket at $1 billion.
Axios reported that 1789 Capital views Polymarket as a strong IPO candidate, signaling confidence in the company’s long-term prospects — especially if it secures U.S. regulatory approval.
Source:
“Donald Trump Jr. — Already An Advisor To Kalshi — Joins Polymarket’s Advisory Board”, ingame.com August 26, 2025
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