Trump appointee buys luxury townhouse in Washington's Kalorama neighborhood

Another high-profile real estate transaction has occurred in Washington, DC, involving a prominent Trump appointee. Jacob Helberg, who was recently appointed by President Donald Trump as Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, has acquired a townhouse valued at $7 million in the exclusive Kalorama neighborhood.

The residence, built in 1912 and located near the French Embassy, spans over 6,700 square feet. It includes seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and two half-baths. The property is described as “a true masterpiece that seamlessly blends elegance with modernity,” featuring “exquisite finishes, soaring high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light.” Notable features include a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and top-tier appliances, a formal dining room with a marble fireplace, and an opulent primary suite occupying the entire second floor.

Additional amenities include a gas fireplace in the primary suite's private balcony area and a Poliform-designed dressing room. The ensuite bathroom offers spa-like features such as a soaking tub and dual vanities. Four more bedrooms upstairs each have their own private baths. The lower level houses a family room, guest or staff suite with full kitchen facilities, and a wine bar.

Outdoor spaces are meticulously landscaped with gardens and terraces alongside a heated dipping pool and two-car garage equipped for electric vehicles.

Kalorama is known for being home to political figures like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner during Trump's first term. Former President Barack Obama also resides there. Other notable residents include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos; David Sacks; Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; among others.

Jacob Helberg is recognized as a staunch China hawk within political circles. He serves on the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission while advising Palantir Technologies' CEO Alex Karp. His advocacy against Chinese-owned apps like TikTok highlights his influence on US-China tech relations.

Helberg's academic background includes degrees from NYU Law School along with cybersecurity expertise from NYU Tandon School of Engineering's program. His efforts contributed significantly to legislation targeting foreign adversary-controlled applications such as TikTok.

In 2018 at age 35 years old Jacob married Keith Rabois—a tech investor—in an event officiated by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman; together they share two children.