Nikolas Sargeant
Polymarket, the world's largest crypto-based prediction market, announced Monday that Donald Trump Jr. has joined its advisory board following a strategic investment from 1789 Capital, the venture capital firm where the president's son serves as a partner. The investment terms were not disclosed, but the move signals growing institutional interest in prediction markets amid their rising popularity during recent election cycles.
The platform, which allows users to bet on outcomes of political events, sports, and pop culture topics, has experienced significant growth in 2025. Company data shows Polymarket handled approximately $6 billion in predictions during the first half of 2025, demonstrating the platform's expanding user base and market activity. The company has also secured partnerships with major platforms, including becoming X's official prediction market partner. Additionally, Polymarket is reportedly considering launching its own stablecoin to further enhance its ecosystem.
While Americans are currently restricted from using Polymarket directly, this may change as the company recently paid $112 million to acquire derivatives exchange QCEX, potentially paving the way for broader U.S. market access. The platform returned to operating in the United States this year after federal prosecutors concluded their investigation into the company's operations.
Trump Jr.'s appointment to the advisory board represents his growing involvement in the prediction market sector, as he previously became a strategic advisor to rival platform Kalshi. The move underscores the increasing intersection between traditional political figures and emerging financial technologies, particularly as prediction markets gain legitimacy as tools for gauging public sentiment on major events and policy outcomes.
