Donald Trump Jr. suggested the possibility of a future presidential campaign while speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He told the audience he is open to the idea of running for the presidency after his father leaves office.
Speaking in Doha, Qatar, Trump Jr. addressed inquiries about his political aspirations by acknowledging the potential for a run. “Maybe one day … that calling is there,” he remarked during the forum, which coincided with President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf nation.
Trump Jr. underscored his belief that his father has significantly reshaped the Republican Party, referring to it as the “America First Party” or “MAGA party.” As the eldest son of the president, he currently holds the position of executive vice president at the Trump Organization and plays a key role in his father’s administration, ensuring loyalists fill crucial roles in the executive branch.
These remarks indicate a change from Trump Jr.’s stance in March 2025, when he strongly refuted reports that he was considering a 2028 presidential run. At that time, he criticized media outlets for disseminating what he termed false information, noting his support for J.D. Vance as his father’s running mate.
During the Qatar forum, Trump Jr. emphasized his connection with Vice President Vance, calling him “an instant power player” in Republican politics. He was influential in convincing his father to choose Vance for the vice-presidential role, seeing the Ohio senator as someone who could effectively engage with the party’s base while steering clear of establishment politics.
At the economic forum, Trump Jr. also defended the Trump administration’s trade policies, particularly concerning tariffs. He argued that American concerns about potential negative economic effects were largely fueled by what he described as media hysteria. Trump Jr. pointed out that significant policy changes take time to manifest results, urging patience as the administration rolls out its economic agenda.
Speculation about Trump Jr.’s political future arises as recent polling shows him tied with Vice President Vance at 30 percent each among Republican voters in potential 2028 primary scenarios. The polling reflects strong support for the Trump brand within the party, with both men far ahead of other potential candidates, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Trump Jr. manages his duties at the Trump Organization alongside a prominent role as a key figure for the administration on social media platforms. His influence extends beyond public communications, as he helps shape personnel decisions and ensure ideological cohesion within the executive branch.
The partnership between Trump Jr. and Vance has gained significance within Republican circles, with both men considered potential leaders of the MAGA movement beyond President Trump’s term. Political analysts note that their close relationship could affect how any future primary campaign develops, especially given Trump Jr.’s early and strong endorsement of Vance for the vice-presidential position.
Despite being constitutionally ineligible for a third term, President Trump has occasionally hinted at the possibility of a 2028 run. However, he has also highlighted Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as representing the future leadership of the Republican Party, though he has stopped short of officially endorsing any successor.
The Qatar Economic Forum gave Trump Jr. a significant international stage to discuss his political future. The forum, which convenes global business and political leaders, included sessions on investing in American industry and innovation, topics closely aligned with the Trump administration’s economic priorities.
The timing of Trump Jr.’s comments coincided with his father’s broader Middle East tour, which included visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The president’s trip focused heavily on securing major economic agreements and investment commitments from Gulf nations, with Qatar announcing a $1.2 trillion economic exchange agreement with the United States.
Republican strategists and party insiders continue to assess the implications of Trump Jr.’s evolving stance on a potential presidential campaign. His business acumen, combined with his deep involvement in his father’s political operations and strong connection to the party’s base, positions him as a potentially formidable candidate should he choose to pursue the presidency.
