# Trump-Linked Firm Secures $40 Million Federal Biosecurity Contracts A company tied to the president's sons received major contracts for disease screening. - **Source:** [ProPublica](https://www.propublica.org) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a5974ec0-e454-459f-8be1-75f48468a31b ## Federal Contracts Awarded The Trump administration awarded nearly $40 million in federal contracts to XpresTest, a biosecurity firm. These funds were designated for screening Ebola at U.S. airports and responding to disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This total value is seven times higher than all previous government contracts the company had received. ## Investment Ties Revealed The contracts were granted shortly after American Ventures, a fund linked to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, invested in XpresTest’s parent company, XWELL. The Trump sons hold a stake of more than 10% in Dominari Holdings, the financial firm that launched the investment fund and operates from within Trump Tower. ## Company Background and Experience XWELL is primarily known for operating airport spas that offer massages, manicures, and chakra beds. While XpresTest has experience monitoring for COVID-19 at U.S. airports, it lacks any prior experience in international biosecurity or working in volatile regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola outbreaks have recently proven fatal. ## Operational Risks and Uncertainty Ezra Ernst, CEO of XWELL, admitted that international work is new for the company and expressed uncertainty regarding their ability to execute the contract in the Congo. He acknowledged the project is risky and noted that none of the awarded contract funds are guaranteed, depending on shifting administration priorities and operational success. ## Shift in Global Strategy The contracts align with the State Department’s America First Global Health Strategy, which prioritizes using foreign aid to promote American companies. This approach marks a departure from previous administrations that typically partnered with the World Health Organization and established global health agencies to manage international disease outbreaks and public health responses. ## Defense of Investment Status A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump stated they are passive, minority investors with no involvement in contract negotiations. Anthony Hayes, CEO of Dominari Holdings, also denied any influence, claiming they have never heard of the Trump sons using their family name to secure government deals for their portfolio companies. ## Financial Implications of Sale XWELL recently announced plans to sell XpresTest and its spa business for $13 million. Because the government contracts will follow the subsidiary, XWELL stands to benefit financially from the deal despite not performing the actual work. The company previously stated this sale supports a new strategic direction in the national security sector. ## Pattern of Financial Enrichment This development follows other reports of companies linked to the Trump family receiving significant federal support. Previously, a drone company and a critical minerals group received government contracts or support after the Trump sons acquired stakes. The president himself has also seen his cryptocurrency ventures grow in value during his second term. ## Congressional Oversight Expected The financial ties between the Trump family and government-funded entities are expected to become a primary focus for Congress. Democrats, having gained control of the House and Senate, have signaled intent to investigate potential corruption and the misuse of taxpayer dollars, citing concerns that public interest is being compromised for private gain. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-sons-xwell-xprestest-government-contracts — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._