Eric Frederick Trump was born on January 6, 1984, in Manhattan, New York City. He is the third child and second son of former U.S. President Donald Trump and his first wife, Ivana Trump. Growing up in the prominent Trump family, Eric was exposed to business and real estate from an early age. He attended the Buckley School and later The Hill School, a preparatory boarding school in Pennsylvania. Eric graduated with a degree in Finance and Management from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Role in The Trump Organization
Eric Trump serves as an executive vice president of the Trump Organization, where he works alongside his older brother, Donald Trump Jr. Following their father’s election as president in 2016, Eric and Donald Jr. took over the day-to-day operations of the family business. The Trump Organization encompasses a wide range of real estate development, management, and sales operations, including hotels, golf courses, and commercial properties around the world.
Eric has been involved in various high-profile projects, such as the development and management of Trump National Doral and Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago. His work within the organization has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the handling of foreign investments and conflicts of interest during his father’s presidency.
Philanthropic Efforts
In 2006, Eric Trump founded the Eric Trump Foundation, a public charity aimed at raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The foundation committed to raising $20 million over ten years for the naming rights to the Eric Trump Foundation Surgery & ICU Center at the hospital. By 2016, the foundation had reportedly raised $16.3 million for St. Jude and other charitable causes.
However, the foundation has faced controversy. In 2017, it was reported that funds intended for cancer patients were redirected to Trump Organization businesses. This led to an investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office, which raised questions about the foundation’s financial practices and compliance with state laws.
Media Presence and Political Involvement
Eric Trump has appeared on his father’s reality television show, “The Apprentice,” serving as a boardroom judge from 2010 to 2015. He has also been a prominent figure in his father’s political campaigns, actively participating in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Eric has been a vocal supporter of his father’s policies and has frequently appeared at campaign events and on conservative media outlets.
During the 2020 election, Eric was involved in efforts to challenge the election results, promoting various conspiracy theories about voter fraud. His actions during this period have been part of broader investigations into the Trump family’s political activities and business dealings.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Eric Trump’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. This wealth is largely derived from his role in the Trump Organization, his involvement in real estate developments, and his media appearances. The Trump family’s business practices, particularly their handling of assets and investments, have significantly contributed to their overall wealth.
Personal Life
Eric Trump married Lara Yunaska in 2014, and the couple has two children together. Lara Trump is a former television producer and has been actively involved in Republican politics, often appearing alongside Eric at various events. The couple resides in New York, where Eric continues to manage the Trump Organization’s operations.
In addition to his business and political activities, Eric is known for his interest in hunting and outdoor sports, often sharing his adventures on social media. His personal and professional life continues to attract media attention, reflecting his prominent position in the Trump family and the business world.