Camilla Jessen
After decades in the public eye and two presidential terms at his father’s side, Donald Trump Jr. now hints he may follow in his father’s footsteps.
For much of his life, Donald Trump Jr. has been one step behind his father — from business, to politics, to the center of public debate.
Now, the eldest Trump son says he’s not ruling out running for president himself one day.
Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Trump Jr. was asked about his political future and whether he would consider seeking the presidency. His answer sparked a flurry of headlines.
“I don’t know. Maybe one day… that calling is there,” he responded, as cited by Newsner.
While it wasn’t a confirmation, it wasn’t a denial either.
But just days later, he clarified his position on his X account, saying he has “ZERO interest” in running in 2028 — or any time soon.
Raised for the Role?
Born in 1977, Donald Trump Jr. grew up in a high-pressure environment.
As the oldest of Donald Trump’s five children, he was expected to step into the family business — and he did just that. After graduating from Wharton like his father, he joined the Trump Organization in 2001 and now serves as Executive Vice President.
He was a vocal defender of his father during both presidential campaigns and played a key role behind the scenes when Trump took office, even taking over much of the Trump business empire to avoid official conflicts of interest.
But his role didn’t stay in the shadows for long.
Known for his speeches, sharp social media takes, and controversial statements, Trump Jr. quickly became one of the most recognizable surrogates for the Trump brand, both politically and personally.
Controversy and Conflict
Over the past few years, Trump Jr. and his brother Eric have come under fire for what critics say is their financial benefit from their father’s presidency.
From luxury real estate deals in the Middle East to crypto ventures, many have raised concerns about whether the Trump family is using political power for personal profit.
At least eight board and advisory roles have been linked to Trump Jr. since Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2024, according to The Daily Beast.
Ben Shapiro, once considered an ally of the Trump movement, called some of those deals “a bad look,” pointing to organizations tied to Trump Jr. that are reportedly profiting during his father’s presidency.
New York Times journalist Eric Lipton also noted that while Trump Sr. technically handed over control of his companies, he still benefits financially — a point that has fueled accusations of ongoing conflicts of interest.
For now, Trump Jr. insists that running for office isn’t on his radar — at least not in the near future. But with his political instincts, name recognition, and growing influence in conservative circles, the door isn’t fully closed.
“I’ve always said… I’ll never 100% rule it out,” he wrote on X. “But I have ZERO interest in running for office in ’28 or anytime soon.”