Donald Trump Jr. has made a bold move in the world of sports by investing in the Enhanced Games, an upcoming international competition that allows athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs. Through his venture firm, 1789 Capital, Trump Jr. is co-leading a multi-million-dollar funding round to support the initiative, which is being hailed by some as the future of sports and criticized by others as a dangerous precedent.
The Enhanced Games aim to break world records by removing anti-doping restrictions, allowing athletes to compete with the help of legally available enhancements. Participants will be rewarded with significant financial incentives, including a $1 million bonus for breaking world records in events like the 100-meter sprint or the 50-meter freestyle swim.
In a statement, Trump Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “The Enhanced Games represent the future—real competition, real freedom, and real records being shattered. This is about excellence, innovation, and American dominance on the world stage—something the MAGA movement is all about.”
The first-ever Enhanced Games event is set to take place in a warm U.S. city during the winter months. It will feature competitions in track, swimming, weightlifting, combat sports, and gymnastics. The organization behind the games has emphasized athlete safety, requiring rigorous medical screenings, including cardiac and brain imaging, as well as heart rhythm monitoring, to ensure competitors’ well-being.
Despite facing strong opposition from the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee, the Enhanced Games have continued to attract high-profile investors. Notable backers include tech billionaire Peter Thiel, cryptocurrency investor Balaji Srinivasan, and German financier Christian Angermayer. Aron D’Souza, president of the Enhanced Games, defended the project, stating, “With these powerhouse investors, we’re building something revolutionary—sports without hypocrisy, where the best can actually be the best.”
As the Enhanced Games prepare for their debut, they are sparking heated debates over the ethics of performance-enhancing substances in sports. While supporters argue that it eliminates the hypocrisy of secret doping in traditional competitions, critics warn that it could set a dangerous standard for future generations of athletes.
