Eric Trump hints at 2028 presidential run but questions political toll on family

Of all the Trump kids, Eric Trump is one name that has not been a household name in politics just yet. However, it looks like he has been toying around with the idea of changing that. The 41-year-old, who previously slammed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, suggested in a recent interview that he could be the next Trump to run for president once his father’s term ends.

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This comes after Eric has remained largely in the background, unlike his more politically active siblings, until now. While his interest has sparked an online debate, he’s not the only Trump family member considering the role on a national stage.

Eric Trump’s interest in politics revealed

In an interview with the Financial Times, the co-executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation was asked whether another Trump might be on the 2028 ballot. Eric was reflective as he answered and said:

The real question is: ‘Do you want to drag other members of your family into it?… Would I want my kids to live the same experience over the last decade that I’ve lived?’

You know, if the answer was yes, I think the political path would be an easy one, meaning, I think I could do it. And by the way, I think other members of our family could do it too.

That question seems to weigh heavily on him. He acknowledged the toll public life has taken on his family. Despite claiming that ‘the political path would be an easy one,’ Eric was quick to emphasise the emotional cost:

The question is, do you want to do it? And do you want to subject the people that you love to the brutality of this system? And I’m not sure if I can answer that question yet.

Unlike his siblings, Donald Jr and Ivanka, Eric has stayed focused on running the Trump Organisation. Still, his comments suggest he’s unimpressed with much of the current political class, and this dissatisfaction might just be the nudge he needs.

Will Ivanka Trump not return to politics?

While Eric is debating a possible future in politics, Ivanka Trump has already shut that door. Once a prominent face in the Trump administration, she’s now focused on her children and private life. In a 2022 post, she stated:

I love my father very much. This time around I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics

And she’s sticking to that decision. After her father’s 2024 win, sources told CNN that her stance hasn't changed. In a revealing interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, she explained:

Politics is – it’s a pretty dark world. There’s a lot of darkness, a lot of negativity, and it’s just really at odds with what feels good for me as a human being

Ivanka’s focus now is on her children and charitable work. Speaking about her decision to step back, she said: