Unusual Machines Wins Largest Pentagon Drone Contract

Unusual Machines, a Florida-based drone manufacturer linked to Donald Trump Jr., won its largest Pentagon order to supply 3,500 drone motors and other components to the U.S. Army, which indicated it may order an additional 20,000 parts next year. Donald Trump Jr. joined the company’s advisory board in November 2024 and reportedly owns about 331,580 shares (roughly $4 million); his association has been tied to stock gains and meetings with potential partners. The company says Trump Jr. did not communicate with the administration about the contract and that his advisory role does not involve interfacing with the government. Ethics concerns have been raised amid White House and Pentagon efforts this year to accelerate domestic drone production and procurement. The contract’s dollar value was not disclosed, and reporting has been limited by the Pentagon’s pause on daily public contract notices during the government shutdown.