The family of Donald Trump is back in focus with the start of his second term in the White House.
Donald Trump’s journey from business magnate to U.S. President has been marked by significant contributions from his family. Trump’s parents, Fred and Mary Anne, were key figures in his development, laying the foundation for his later success in both business and politics. Over the years, his family has remained a constant presence in his life, with his wife, Melania Trump, and his five children playing crucial roles in his endeavors. Below is an exploration of the important figures in the Trump family.
Fred Trump
Donald Trump has often credited his father, Fred Trump, for teaching him valuable lessons in business. In his 1987 book The Art of the Deal, Trump wrote, “I learned from my father that every penny counts, because before too long your pennies turn into dollars.” Fred, born in the Bronx, started his own construction company at just 15 years old. He went on to build more than 27,000 apartments and row homes in New York City during his career. Fred’s company, originally named the E. Trump & Son, was later renamed the Trump Organization, which Donald took over in 1971.
Fred Trump’s wealth was estimated at $300 million by the time of his death, though his career was not without controversy. In 1976, he was arrested for violating building codes in Maryland. Later, a 2018 investigation by The New York Times revealed Fred Trump had avoided paying nearly $500 million in taxes through financial maneuvers involving his children.
Mother Mary Anne Trump
Mary Anne MacLeod, born in Scotland, immigrated to the United States in 1930. She married Fred Trump in 1936, and together they raised five children, with Donald being the fourth. Donald has described his mother as the “perfect housewife” in The Art of the Deal, stating, “My mother loves splendor and magnificence, while my father, who is very down-to-earth, gets excited only by competence and efficiency.” Beyond her domestic life, Mary Anne was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting local charities in Queens. She passed away in 2000.
Ivana Trump
Ivana Trump, born Ivana Zelníčková in what is now the Czech Republic, was a competitive skier before becoming a successful model in New York City. She and Donald married in 1977, having three children: Don Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. Ivana played significant roles at Trump’s properties and became a fixture in New York’s social scene. Their marriage ended in 1991, with Ivana reportedly receiving $14 million as part of their divorce settlement.
After their split, Ivana started her own fashion company, Ivana Haute Couture, and wrote a self-help book. She passed away in July 2022 due to injuries sustained from a fall. The Trump family statement after her death described her as “a survivor,” noting her strength and determination.
Marla Maples
Donald’s relationship with Marla Maples, an actress, was a prominent factor in the dissolution of his marriage to Ivana. After meeting in 1985, the couple married in 1993 and had a daughter, Tiffany. Maples appeared in the Tony-winning musical The Will Rogers Follies in 1992 and acted in films such as Executive Decision (1996) and For Richer or Poorer (1997). They divorced in 1999, with Maples receiving $2 million from the settlement. Maples later appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2016 and spent time at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property with her daughter Tiffany in 2023.
First Lady Melania Trump
Melania Trump has been married to Donald since 2005, and he has called her “my rock and foundation.” A former model born in Slovenia, Melania met Donald at a 1998 fashion party. Together, they have one son, Barron, born the year after their wedding. As First Lady, Melania championed the Be Best initiative, which focused on combating online bullying and the opioid epidemic. She also released a memoir in 2024 titled Melania, where she reflects on her upbringing, marriage, and time in the White House.
Son Donald Trump Jr.
Donald Trump Jr., Donald’s eldest child with Ivana, has been a key figure in both the family business and political endeavors. As executive vice president of the Trump Organization, Don Jr. has faced scrutiny for his actions during his father’s 2016 campaign, including a controversial meeting with a Russian lawyer. Despite this, he was never charged with any campaign finance violations. Don Jr. has been outspoken about the 2020 election, promoting unfounded claims that it was stolen. He is also a father of five with ex-wife Vanessa Trump and has been in a relationship with TV personality Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Daughter Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump has been in the public eye since her childhood, appearing on her father’s reality show The Apprentice. She held senior leadership positions in the Trump Organization and ran a fashion brand that she closed in 2018. Ivanka served as an aide in her father’s administration but left politics in 2022 to focus on her family. She is married to Jared Kushner and has three children: Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore.
Son Eric Trump
Eric Trump, the youngest son of Donald and Ivana, has followed in his father’s footsteps, working in the Trump Organization. After graduating from Georgetown University, Eric became the executive vice president of development and acquisitions. He also oversees Trump Winery in Virginia and has been involved in charity work, though his foundation was scrutinized after reports suggested funds were directed toward events at Trump properties. Eric married Lara Trump in 2014, and the couple has two children.
Daughter Tiffany Trump
Tiffany Trump, the only child of Donald and Marla Maples, had a more traditional upbringing compared to her siblings. Raised in California after her parents' divorce, Tiffany graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 and Georgetown Law in 2020. Tiffany married Michael Boulos in November 2022, and the couple is expecting their first child.
Son Barron Trump
Barron Trump, Donald and Melania’s only child together, has remained largely out of the public eye. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Barron graduated from the Oxbridge Academy in 2024 and is now attending New York University’s business school. He first made a public appearance at a Trump campaign rally in 2024, and Melania Trump spoke proudly of him, saying, “I’m very proud of what he grew up to. His strength. His intelligence. His knowledge, his kindness. It’s admirable.”
The Trump family’s influence continues to shape both Donald Trump’s legacy and the world at large, with each member playing a significant role in his journey.
e a notable appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention and has verbally committed to playing golf at the University of Miami. In contrast, 8-year-old Theodore Kushner, the son of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, was recently seen attending Super Bowl LIX with his mother and grandfather, the President.
