Donald Trump Jr. grew up surrounded by extreme wealth in Trump Tower, living in a massive penthouse and meeting top celebrities—including Michael Jackson, with whom he once played video games.
Born in 1977 in New York City to Donald and Ivana Trump, his childhood wasn’t perfect despite the luxury. His father was busy building a real estate empire, so he spent much of his time with his mother and summers with his grandparents in Czechoslovakia, where he learned Czech and enjoyed outdoor life.
His parents’ highly public divorce when he was 12 deeply affected him, even straining his relationship with his father for a time. He was later sent to boarding school, where he focused on independence and avoided comparing himself to his father.
Despite early tensions, Trump Jr. eventually joined the family business, rising to executive vice president. Outside of work, he married Vanessa in 2004, had five children, and divorced in 2018.
He later became a strong public supporter of his father, playing an active role in his political career and public appearances.