Texas-based America First Refining, reportedly having a secret partnership link with Donald Trump Jr., announced it received at least $100 million investment from Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries. The company aims to build the first major new oil refinery in the U.S. in nearly 50 years but has long struggled to secure financing.
The investment news comes after a period marked by notable contacts between the Trump and Ambani families. The report details that Trump Jr. met with Anant Ambani in Jamnagar, India, late last year, toured their private zoo, and participated in a Gujarati folk dance in the evening.
America First Refining’s previously undisclosed connection to Trump Jr. has emerged as a critical factor in the company’s investment process. According to seven sources familiar with the matter and the company, Trump Jr. also held a hidden stake in the startup.
Company executives reportedly maintained regular contact with Trump Jr., even highlighting this connection in some meetings with foreign investors. The report states that Trump Jr. attended a meeting with potential investors from Saudi Arabia early last year, where the Trump family’s support was also conveyed to some foreign officials.
Reliance Industries’ investment coincided with the company’s lobbying efforts in the U.S. The report notes that the Trump administration raised tariffs on India, aiming to pressure the country to reduce oil imports from Russia. It also recalls White House advisor Peter Navarro accusing politically connected Indian energy firms of financing Russia’s war machine.
The Ambani family’s contacts with the Trump family extended beyond this investment. Reliance reportedly paid the Trump Organization $10 million in 2024 as a "development fee" for a project in Mumbai. Ivanka Trump attended Anant Ambani’s wedding celebrations the same year, and Mukesh Ambani was present at a private reception in Washington before Trump’s second inauguration.
After the investment announcement, Trump Jr.’s personal lawyer expressed pride on social media about being part of the deal. However, a later email stated that he did not work for America First Refining and had no role in the agreement with Reliance.
Reliance, for its part, denied receiving any special or preferential treatment. The company said the investment was evaluated on commercial grounds, strategic fit, and long-term value creation potential.
The report also highlights that during the Trump administration, there was some easing in tariffs and energy issues between the U.S. and India. A trade agreement was signed in February, and certain energy and sanction measures provided relief for India.
In March, Trump praised Reliance’s Texas venture investment on Truth Social, thanking the company for the "tremendous investment." The report suggests this development has reopened discussions about the boundaries between the Trump family’s business ties and foreign investors’ influence on decision-making in Washington.
