Full Name: Donald John Trump Jr.
Birthday: December 31, 1977 (age 45)
Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City
Parents: Donald Trump Sr. and Ivana Trump
Siblings: Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany
Height: 6‘1"
Relationship Status: Dating Kimberly Guilfoyle
Net Worth: Estimated $200-$300 million
Social Media: Facebook Twitter Instagram
Introduction
As the eldest son of former president Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. grew up with the pressures and privileges of joining the family real estate business. After earning his economics degree and spending time outdoors in Colorado, Don Jr. returned to New York to start learning the ropes under his father.
Now an integral part of the Trump Organization, Don Jr. has overseen the development of signature properties around the world. However, he has also forged his own path in the political arena as an outspoken advocate for conservative values and candidates. His blend of business savvy, public speaking, and hard-nosed attitude has earned him both avid fans and vocal critics.
Background & Upbringing
Donald John Trump Jr. was born on December 31, 1977 in Manhattan, New York City to Donald and Ivana Trump. As the first-born son, he was expected to eventually take over the family real estate empire. Don Jr. grew up with siblings Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany in lavish Trump properties such as Trump Tower.
From a young age, Donald Trump Sr. groomed his namesake to appreciate the family business. The two would spend summer weekends visiting Trump construction sites and properties. Don Jr. recalled his father quizzing him on the efficiency of their boat compared to the fishing fleet when he was just 5 years old.
Don Jr. attended elite private schools, first The Hill School in Pennsylvania and later the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating with an economics degree in 2000, he moved away from the family empire to try living a simpler life in the Rocky Mountains.
Career at the Trump Organization
In 2001, Don Jr. returned to New York to join the Trump Organization at his father‘s urgings. He started learning the ropes in project development before being promoted to Executive Vice President, overseeing real estate projects across the globe.
Some key projects Don Jr. has spearheaded for the company include:
- Trump Park Avenue: A luxury high-rise residential building in Manhattan developed in partnership with other investors. The building sold out earning over $500 million in sales.
- Trump International Hotel Washington D.C.: Don Jr. oversaw the redevelopment of the historic Old Post Office building into a lavish 263-room hotel.
- Trump International Golf Links: He led the acquisition and expansion of Trump golf courses in Aberdeen, Scotland as well as in Dubai.
Beyond real estate, Don Jr. served as a boardroom judge on several seasons of his father‘s hit show The Apprentice. He helped decide which aspiring entrepreneurs survived each week‘s challenges.
Political Activism
As Donald Trump considered a presidential run, Don Jr. played an integral early role by traveling and speaking to audiences on his father‘s behalf. His natural public speaking skills impressed Republican voters and helped win them over in key states.
During the 2016 election, Don Jr. emerged as one of his father‘s most vocal surrogates. He promoted Trump‘s "America First" platform and attacked Hillary Clinton relentlessly. This earned him both praise from supporters and criticism from detractors for his controversial rhetoric.
After his father‘s victory, Don Jr. published the book Triggered in 2019 which outlined his conservative views on topics like gun rights, immigration, transgender rights, and free speech on college campuses. He also actively fundraises and campaigns for other Republican candidates via speaking events and social media.
Controversies
Being one of the most outspoken Trump family members has also landed Don Jr. in hot water at times. He became a central figure in the investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Don Jr. confirmed that he met with a Russian lawyer linked to the Kremlin at Trump Tower, though he claimed it was uneventful.
Critics also frequently highlight Don Jr.‘s habit of posting or sharing controversial right-wing memes and conspiracy theories on his social media accounts. He continues to be one of the most polarizing figures in American politics given his unwavering support for Trumpism.
Business Endeavors Beyond the Trump Organization
Seeking new challenges, Don Jr. has invested in various other companies outside the core Trump real estate sphere. For example:
- He purchased a 50% stake in a high-end hunting and fishing club called The Sportsman‘s Guide to Spain and South Africa. He hosts clients on big game hunting trips at the club‘s lodge in British Columbia.
- Don Jr. invested an undisclosed sum into Hydroprene, an oil extraction and technology firm, in 2008.
- He bought $200,000 worth of shares in the now defunct security firm T&P Security Consultants.
In addition to investments, Don Jr. earns six-figure paydays for giving speeches to conservative groups. He was paid over $100,000 to speak at the University of North Texas and $50,000 to speak to the youth group Turning Point USA in 2019.
Family and Relationships
Don Jr. married model Vanessa Kay Haydon in 2005. Together they have five children – daughters Kai, Chloe, and Spencer, and sons Donald III and Tristan. However, after 12 years of marriage, they divorced in 2018.
In 2018, Don Jr. began dating Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host. The two met years earlier when she was married to California politician Gavin Newsom. They made their relationship social media official in 2020 when Guilfoyle moved into Don Jr.‘s Florida home.
An avid outdoorsman, Don Jr. enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and other adventures when he‘s not busy with work or politics. He spends free time at his cabin in the Catskills region of New York. Friends describe him as laidback and funny in private.
Net Worth
Estimates of Donald Trump Jr.‘s net worth vary, but most experts place it between $200-$300 million as of 2022. The vast majority of his wealth comes from his equity stake in the Trump Organization, of which he owns part along with his siblings.
While his exact ownership percentage is confidential, the Trump empire as a whole is worth over $3 billion by most estimates. Therefore, Don Jr.‘s slice is likely worth hundreds of millions. He also draws an annual salary from the Trump Organization in the mid six-figures.
On top of this, Don Jr.‘s other business ventures, speaking fees, book deals, and investments add to his rising net worth year after year.
Fun Facts About Donald Trump Jr.
- He avoids drinking or smoking due to watching his grandfather Fred Trump suffer from Alzheimer‘s.
- Don Jr. is colorblind and can‘t distinguish certain shades of red and green.
- He is fluent in three languages: English, Czech, and French.
- Don Jr.‘s nickname given by Donald Trump Sr. was "Diaper Don" as a baby.
- He loves martial arts and earned his brown belt in karate as a teenager.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Donald Trump Jr. born?
Donald Trump Jr. was born on December 31, 1977 in Manhattan, New York City. He is currently 45 years old.
What is Donald Trump Jr.‘s net worth?
Estimates of Donald Trump Jr.‘s net worth range between $200-$300 million. The bulk of his wealth comes from his equity stake in the Trump Organization real estate empire.
Is Donald Trump Jr. married?
Donald Trump Jr. was married to Vanessa Trump from 2005-2018. They have five children together. He has been dating Kimberly Guilfoyle since 2018.
What is Donald Trump Jr.‘s job?
Donald Trump Jr. works as Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization. He oversees all real estate project development and acquisition.
Is Donald Trump Jr. planning to run for office?
While he has not directly said so, many political experts and pundits believe Donald Trump Jr. may run for political office in the future, due to his rising popularity and activity in conservative circles.
