Hadrian chief executive Chris Power donated $443,000 to Republican National Committee entities in July, months after the defence manufacturing start-up secured a $900 million US Navy contract to mass-produce submarine components at a new factory in Cherokee, Alabama. The funding originated from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump. Trump Jr's investment firm, 1789 Capital, increased its stake in Hadrian as part of a $1.4 billion funding round. Other 1789 Capital executives contributed a combined $300,000 to the RNC the same month.

Hadrian is the latest 1789-linked company to win government contracts since Trump's re-election. At least four other portfolio companies — including Firehawk Aerospace, Cerebras Systems, Psi Quantum, and Vulcan Elements — have secured Pentagon or Air Force deals. Last October, drone maker Unusual Machines, in which Trump Jr held a multimillion-dollar stake, won its largest Pentagon contract. Representatives for Trump Jr and the companies maintain he is not involved in government negotiations.

Hadrian, backed by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund and Andreessen Horowitz, builds AI-powered automated defence factories. The company said its investor base reflects broad confidence in its mission to rebuild American manufacturing. Marc Andreessen advises the US government on defence and tech policy.