A venture spearheaded by Donald Trump Jr. is channeling significant financial resources and political influence into the Enhanced Games, a sports festival that intends to include events like track and swimming without adhering to anti-doping policies.
The Trump-led group, known as 1789 Capital, is set to provide what Enhanced Games founder Aron D’Souza describes as “double-digit millions” for an event planned to take place in the United States next year.
D’Souza emphasizes that beyond financial backing, he’s drawn to the Trump family’s knack for challenging existing norms. A video featuring President Trump has been showcased on the Enhanced Games website, where he announces the unveiling of this partnership and shares a motivational message claiming “the impossible is what we do best.”
In an interview, D’Souza commented, “We are in an age of disruptors, and disruptors are in the White House.” He noted that influential figures like Elon Musk are prominent in the current administration and expressed optimism that this is a critical moment for innovative ideas to emerge.
He describes the Enhanced Games not merely as a venue for unregulated doping but as a “celebration of humanity and science.” Additionally, he is offering a $1 million incentive for the first athlete who successfully breaks the 100-meter sprint record or the 50-meter freestyle swimming record. Although he claims to have a roster of athletes eager to compete, he refrained from revealing their identities.
In a statement concerning the funding announcement, Trump Jr. remarked, “This is about excellence, innovation, and American dominance on the world stage — something the MAGA movement embodies.”
The International Olympic Committee has publicly dismissed the concept, stating that it doesn’t warrant further discussion. Nonetheless, some seasoned figures in the international sports realm increasingly view the Enhanced Games as a viable option amid what they perceive to be flaws in the current world anti-doping infrastructure.
D’Souza believes there is an opportunity for progress, particularly in light of the ongoing disputes between the U.S. government and the World Anti-Doping Agency, which have persisted through both the Trump and Biden administrations. These conflicts have culminated in the U.S. government withholding its payments to the anti-doping organization.
Trump has actively sought to make an impact in the sports industry. In recent weeks, he has introduced policies affecting transgender athletes, amended Title IX regulations, and facilitated discussions to mediate an agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi investors involved with LIV Golf—a significant disruptor in the golfing arena that Trump has supported.
D’Souza has also expressed optimism about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as health secretary. Kennedy has publicly discussed using testosterone replacement therapy as part of his anti-aging protocol, which would disqualify him from Olympic participation—a notion D’Souza points out. He further noted that Kennedy has been vocal about the need for transformation and disruption within the healthcare system, aligning closely with the underlying principles of the Enhanced Games.
