Donald Trump Jr.

Donald John Trump Jr. (born December 31, 1977) is an American businessman, author, media host, and conservative political activist. The eldest child of Donald Trump and Ivana Trump, he has long served in senior roles at the Trump Organization and remains a prominent surrogate and commentator within U.S. Republican politics.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in New York City, Trump Jr. attended the Buckley School and The Hill School, then earned a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. After graduation he spent a year in Aspen, Colorado, before joining the family business in New York.

Career at the Trump Organization

Trump Jr. has been an executive vice president and later a trustee of the Trump Organization, working alongside his brother Eric on real-estate development, branding, and property management. His visibility increased during and after his father’s presidential campaigns as he represented the company and family brand in media and political venues.

Legal and Compliance Backdrop

In February 2024, a New York court imposed significant financial penalties and temporary leadership restrictions on Donald Trump and several Trump Organization figures following a civil fraud case. Those restrictions were later paused pending appeal; subsequent rulings adjusted penalties and maintained third-party oversight via a court-appointed monitor.

Books and Media

Trump Jr. is the author of two political books. Triggered: How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us (2019) was published by Center Street (Hachette). Liberal Privilege: Joe Biden and the Democrats’ Defense of the Indefensible (2020) was self-published and used extensively in political fundraising.

He also hosts a talk show and podcast, Triggered with Don Jr., distributed primarily via video platforms with audio feeds on major podcast apps. The show features political commentary and interviews with conservative figures, business leaders, and media personalities.

Involvement with Crypto & Bitcoin

Since 2024–2025, Donald Trump Jr. has become an active promoter of Bitcoin and crypto-focused ventures, aligning with a broader pro-crypto posture in his family’s business and political circles. Key touchpoints include:

• Public advocacy: Regularly voices support for Bitcoin as a long-term innovation, while criticizing what he describes as overreaching regulation and the risks of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). He has appeared at major industry events and in media segments centered on Bitcoin’s role in the U.S. economy and energy policy.
• Events & speaking: Has participated in high-profile crypto gatherings (including Bitcoin-themed conferences) and international blockchain forums, delivering remarks that frame Bitcoin as “digital sound money” and a competitive advantage for U.S. technology and energy leadership.
• Family crypto ventures: An investor and prominent public face in a family-backed crypto initiative known as World Liberty Financial (WLFi), which has marketed various digital-asset services; he has characterized the effort as commercially driven rather than political.
• Mining & infrastructure discourse: Frequently amplifies pro-mining narratives—arguing that U.S. Bitcoin mining can bolster grid stability, drive energy innovation, and create domestic jobs—while spotlighting companies and projects connected to the broader “American Bitcoin” theme.
• Media platforming: Uses his Triggered show to host crypto-centric conversations, including episodes focused on Bitcoin mining, digital-asset policy, and the growth of U.S.-based crypto businesses.

Political Activism

A fixture at rallies and conservative conferences since 2016, Trump Jr. has campaigned for Republican candidates and causes and is a frequent speaker at grassroots and media events. His political profile rose during probes into the 2016 election, including scrutiny of a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer. In July 2017 he publicly released emails arranging the meeting, which he said produced no useful information.

Notable Controversies

Trump Jr.’s hunting activities have drawn attention and criticism. A widely covered 2019 trip to Mongolia—during which he harvested an argali sheep and obtained a local permit retroactively—prompted questions from conservation advocates and lawmakers.

Personal Life

Trump Jr. married Vanessa (née Haydon) in 2005; they have five children and divorced in 2018. He has since been in a long-term relationship with television personality Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Full name: Donald John Trump Jr.
• Born: December 31, 1977 (New York City)
• Education: B.S., Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (2000)
• Role: Trustee and executive vice president, Trump Organization
• Books: Triggered (2019, Center Street); Liberal Privilege (2020, self-published)
• Show: Triggered with Don Jr. (video & podcast)
• Crypto & Bitcoin: Pro-Bitcoin advocate; investor/promoter in family crypto venture WLFi; frequent speaker at Bitcoin/crypto events; hosts crypto-themed episodes on Triggered.
• Family: Five children (with Vanessa Trump)

Note: Roles, legal outcomes, and business affiliations can change; verify details with up-to-date official statements or trusted news sources as needed.

• The Trump Organization Executive Vice President