Eric Trump appeared on Fox Business to boast about a massive Pentagon contract landed by a company he advises, triggering a wave of criticism about nepotism and corruption.
The second son of President Donald Trump appeared alongside Foundation Future Industries founder and CEO Sankaet Pathak to discuss a $24 million agreement the company reached to produce humanoid robots for possible military combat, but Eric Trump told host Maria Bartiromo they could replace humans in a number of roles.
"I walked through his factory, I couldn't believe what I saw," Trump said. "Coming from hospitality, the uses are unlimited. Maria, you were just talking about China, we are America first. We have to win this race, we have to win a lot of races. I got involved with crypto in a very big way because we had to win that digital revolution. We have to win robotics in the United States of America. You had a great segment two days ago, Maria, about the robot in Beijing that's was running marathons and beating the fastest marathoners by, what, seven to eight minutes for a full marathon. These are in the very early days. We better be winning this race in the United States of America."
"We're the greatest economy in the world, and that's what Sankaet is doing, and he's doing a phenomenal job, he added. "When you interact with these robots, they first bump you they high five you, follow their commands. You bring in A.I. autonomy, it's going to change industry, going to change military operations, it's going to change hospitality. The uses are unlimited. I think it's a beautiful thing. We must win this race."
The appearance raised new concerns about the president's son mingling political influence with personal business matters.
"Since his dad was re-elected, Forbes estimates Eric Trump's net worth is up 10x, to $400 million," noted Zach Everson, research director for Public Citizen's Trump Accountability Project. "How are you doing?"
"Eric Trump is an investor & strategic advisor' in @sankaet's killer robot startup, Foundation," pointed out fintech reporter Jason Mikula. "Suddenly I have a new theory on the $46 million gov't bailout for victims of Sankeat's last startup, Synapse, where $95 million in deposits is STILL unaccounted for."
"This is a heist. They are robbing America blind," yelped widely followed Bluesky user Lionel Jay. "Ultimately it’s the people with less who suffer. When this is over, AND IT WILL END, I want… Investigations, Indictments, Trials, Life sentences."
"They must be made to repay every penny. With (punitive) interest," seethed auto industry analyst John Rosevear. "This whole right wing grift industry needs to be crushed."
"Awarding a military contract to Trump’s son exemplifies corruption on an unprecedented scale," grumbled Bluesky user Roxanna Kline. "It is a strikingly hypocritical act of corruption that should infuriate every citizen. I am absolutely fed up with Republicans turning a blind eye as the Trumps exploit my tax dollars for their own gain."
"Remember when Maria could only speak about the corruption of Hunter Biden?? No hypocrisy there," pondered Bluesky user SoHearMeRoar.
"Hunter Biden says w--," agreed University of Florida political science professor Michael McDonald.
"Scenes from a personalist regime: Uday and Qusay go on TV to announce their great luck in winning public contracts," posted University of Michigan policy professor Don Moynihan.
"The Meritocrats!" cracked historian Eric Rauchway.
