GrabAGun’s Public Launch and Donald Trump Jr.’s Influence on Firearms E-Commerce Growth
On July 16, 2025, Donald Trump Jr. took center stage by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock exchange (NYSE), marking a important milestone for GrabAGun as it debuted on the public market. This texas-based online firearms retailer entered the stock exchange following a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), trading under the ticker symbol PEW.
Initial Market Response and share Volatility
Despite high expectations surrounding its market debut,GrabAGun’s stock price plunged more than 20% within hours of trading commencement. The decline followed an energetic bell-ringing ceremony where Trump Jr., who holds roughly 1% ownership equating to about 300,000 shares and serves on GrabAGun’s board, rallied investors with chants of “USA!”
A political Statement Through Business Strategy
Prior to trading activity, Donald Trump Jr. framed this public offering as more than just a financial event; he described it as “a triumph over years of cultural opposition” often labeled as “woke nonsense.” His comments highlighted how this move resonates deeply with conservative advocacy for second Amendment rights amid ongoing political debates.
The SPAC deal and Strategic Leadership Alliances
The pathway to going public was paved through a merger with Colombier Acquisition Corp. II, led by CEO Omeed Malik-a notable Republican donor and head of investment firm 1789 Capital. Malik joined forces with Trump Jr., who is both an advisor to grabagun and partner at 1789 Capital, during the NYSE ceremony.
This transaction raised approximately $179 million in gross proceeds for GrabAGun, fueling plans to enhance its mobile-centric firearms retail platform amid surging demand for online gun purchases across the united States.
The Emergence of Ideologically Driven Corporate Ventures
This development reflects a broader trend where affiliates connected to former President Trump support enterprises aligned with conservative principles via spacs-financial vehicles that have regained traction recently despite overall market unpredictability.
The Expanding Reach of the Trump Family Through SPAC Investments
A comparable example is Trump Media, owner of Truth Social-the social networking site created as an alternative platform catering primarily to conservative users. It went public last year through its own SPAC arrangement and trades under ticker DJT, representing President Trump’s initials.
Donald Trump Jr., acting as sole trustee over his father’s trust which held upwards of 114 million DJT shares before January’s inauguration, continues playing an active role in managing these holdings alongside his brother Eric within the broader Trump Association framework.
Diversification into Telecom Products Targeting Conservative Consumers
The organization has also branched out beyond media into telecommunications by launching a new mobile phone service plan coupled with intentions to release an affordable smartphone priced at $499 later this year-aimed at competing against industry giants like Apple while appealing directly to their political base.
“This initiative embodies not only technological innovation but also strategic alignment with our supporters’ core values,” stated insiders familiar with these developments.
