Inside the Trump family transformations from paparazzi fodder to political secret weapons


The world has had the pleasure of watching Donald Trump’s five kids grow up right in front of their eyes.

Thanks to their father’s immense fame, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump, and Barron Trump were all thrown into the public eye from a very young age.

And over the course of Donald’s decades-long stint in the spotlight, his five offspring have changed immensely.

The nation has witnessed each of them flourish from children to teenagers to successful stars in their own right.

But along the way, the public has also had a front row seat to their career failures, controversies, and scandals.

Donald Trump's family came together to celebrate his win following the 2024 presidential election on Wednesday
Tiffany Trump (left), Donald Trump Jr. (second left), Ivanka Trump (second right), Eric Trump (right), and Barron Trump were all thrown into the public eye from a very young age.

Donald Trump’s family came together to celebrate his win following the 2024 presidential election on Wednesday. Left is now and right is from 2016

The prominent political family came together to celebrate Donald’s win following the 2024 presidential election on Wednesday – and they’ve certainly come a long way since he first became a media star in the 1980s.

Don Jr. went from living out of a truck while working as a bartender to being the executive vice president of The Trump Organization, while his half-sister Tiffany has become a booming social media star despite her unsuccessful attempts to break into the music and fashion industries.

Amid the news that Donald will take office again , FEMAIL has recapped each of the soon-to-be 47th president of the United States' kids' transformations

Amid the news that Donald will take office again , FEMAIL has recapped each of the soon-to-be 47th president of the United States’ kids’ transformations

But it’s Ivanka’s journey that has arguably been the most dramatic.

She was a successful model for decades and launched her own booming jewelry and clothing line, before she left it all behind to serve as a White House advisor to her dad.

But after he left office in 2021, she made the shocking announcement that she was stepping away from politics to focus on her family. 

Amid the news that Donald will take office again, FEMAIL has recapped each of the soon-to-be 47th president of the United States’ kids’ transformations.

From their physical glow ups to their rollercoaster-ride careers, take a look back at how each of Donald’s five children have changed over the years.

Donald Jr. went from living out of a truck to executive vice president of The Trump Organization

Donald's eldest son, Donald Jr., went from living out of a truck to executive vice president of The Trump Organization. He's seen in 2002
Donald Jr. is seen earlier this week

Donald’s eldest son, Donald Jr., went from living out of a truck to executive vice president of The Trump Organization

Donald welcomed three kids with his first wife, Ivana Trump, before they split in 1990 – Don Jr. in 1977, Ivanka in 1981, and Eric in 1984.

When Donald was propelled into the spotlight, Don Jr. was a student at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, and Don Jr. has admitted that he was an avid partier during his college days. He's seen as a baby with his dad

When Donald was propelled into the spotlight, Don Jr. was a student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, and Don Jr. has admitted that he was an avid partier during his college days. He’s seen as a baby with his dad

While Trump’s real estate career was already booming when he became a father, it wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s that he started making a slew of cameos in TV shows and movies and became a massive media star.

When he was propelled into the spotlight, Don Jr. was a student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, and Don Jr. has admitted that he was an avid partier during his college days.

He told New York Magazine in 2004, ‘To be fairly candid, I used to drink a lot and party pretty hard. 

‘And it wasn’t something that I was particularly good at. I mean, I was good at it, but I couldn’t do it in moderation.’ 

Don Jr. (seen in 2003) graduated with a in 2000, and at first, he shied away from his joining his family's business. Instead, he moved to Colorado and lived out of the back of a truck

Don Jr. (seen in 2003) graduated with a in 2000, and at first, he shied away from his joining his family’s business. Instead, he moved to Colorado and lived out of the back of a truck

But after about one year of this lifestyle, he decided to move back home to New York and officially joined the Trump Organization. He's seen with his family in 2005

But after about one year of this lifestyle, he decided to move back home to New York and officially joined the Trump Organization. He’s seen with his family in 2005

He went on to become a major figure in his dad's real estate business, and supervised numerous building projects over the years. He's seen with his dad and brother Eric in 2012

He went on to become a major figure in his dad’s real estate business, and supervised numerous building projects over the years. He’s seen with his dad and brother Eric in 2012

He graduated with a degree in Economics in 2000, and at first, he shied away from his joining his famous family’s business. 

Instead, he moved to Aspen, Colorado, where he ‘hunted, fished, and camped, lived out of the back of a truck, bartended,’ and completely ‘stopped talking to his father,’ Vanity Fair has reported.

But after about one year of this lifestyle, he decided to move back home to New York and joined the Trump Organization.

But his partying didn’t stop, and in February 2001, the mogul was arrested for ‘public intoxication’ in New Orleans, and reportedly spent 11 hours in jail before he was released on a $300 bond.

Don Jr. told New York Magazine, however, that he gave up drinking ‘entirely’ in 2002, adding, ‘I have too much of an opportunity to make something of myself, be successful in my own right. Why blow it?’

He was a major part of his father's campaign when he ran for President in 2016. He's pictured at the Republican National Convention in 2016

He was a major part of his father’s campaign when he ran for President in 2016. He’s pictured at the Republican National Convention in 2016

After Donald won the election, Don Jr. and his brother Eric became co-executive vice presidents of The Trump Organization. The brothers are seen in 2017

After Donald won the election, Don Jr. and his brother Eric became co-executive vice presidents of The Trump Organization. The brothers are seen in 2017

He has written two memoirs, and launched his own podcast, called Trigged with Don Jr., in 2023. He's seen in 2023

He has written two memoirs, and launched his own podcast, called Trigged with Don Jr., in 2023. He’s seen in 2023

As for his love life, he was married to model Vanessa Haydon from 2005 until 2018, and together, they welcomed five children - Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe

As for his love life, he was married to model Vanessa Haydon from 2005 until 2018, and together, they welcomed five children – Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe

He went on to become a major figure in his dad’s real estate business, and supervised numerous building projects over the years, including Trump International Hotel and Tower and Trump Park Avenue.

He started dating Kimberly Guilfoyle soon after separating from Vanessa, and the two got engaged in December 2020. They're seen in 2019

He started dating Kimberly Guilfoyle soon after separating from Vanessa, and the two got engaged in December 2020. They’re seen in 2019

In addition, he appeared as a guest adviser and judge on many episodes of his dad’s reality show The Apprentice over the years.

He was a major part of his father’s campaign when he ran for President in 2016, and after Donald won the election, Don Jr. and his brother Eric became co-executive vice presidents of The Trump Organization.

He has written two memoirs, and launched his own podcast, called Trigged with Don Jr., in 2023.

As for his love life, he was married to model Vanessa Haydon from 2005 until 2018, and together, they welcomed five children – Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe.

He started dating Kimberly Guilfoyle soon after separating from Vanessa, and the two got engaged in December 2020. 

Ivanka was a successful model before and served as a White House advisor – but has since left politics behind

Donald's second eldest Ivanka was a successful model before and served as a White House advisor - but has since left politics behind. She's seen in 1996
Ivanka is seen earlier this week

Donald’s second eldest, Ivanka, was a successful model before and served as a White House advisor – but has since left politics behind

Ivanka was a high school student when her father was shot to stardom, and she quickly followed in his footsteps and entered the public eye too. She's seen as a baby with her parents

Ivanka was a high school student when her father was shot to stardom, and she quickly followed in his footsteps and entered the public eye too. She’s seen as a baby with her parents

She started modeling at age 14, making her debut in a denim campaign for Tommy Hilfiger. She's seen in 1996, at age 14

She started modeling at age 14, making her debut in a denim campaign for Tommy Hilfiger. She’s seen in 1996, at age 14 

Ivanka (seen in 1998 with her dad) was then signed to Elite Model Management - thanks, in part, to her father, who was close friends with the head of the company

Ivanka (seen in 1998 with her dad) was then signed to Elite Model Management – thanks, in part, to her father, who was close friends with the head of the company

Ivanka was a high school student when her father was shot to stardom, and she quickly followed in his footsteps and entered the public eye too.

She started modeling at age 14, making her debut in a denim campaign for Tommy Hilfiger.

She was then signed to Elite Model Management – thanks, in part, to her father, who was close friends with the head of the company – and her career quickly took off after that. 

Throughout the late ’90s, she went on to pose for a slew of well-known publications like Seventeen, Elle, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Seventeen, and stomped the runway at numerous fashion shows. 

But in 2000, she put her modeling career on the backburner to instead focus on her education. 

She headed to Georgetown University for college, before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania two years later, where she received a degree in economics in 2004. 

Throughout the late '90s, she went on to pose for a slew of well-known publications like Elle, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Seventeen, and stomped the runway at numerous fashion shows

She's seen during her modeling years

Throughout the late ’90s, she went on to pose for a slew of well-known publications like Elle, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Seventeen, and stomped the runway at numerous fashion shows 

After taking a break from modeling to focus on her education, Ivanka (seen in 2007 with her dad) entered the world of reality TV - starring as a judge on her dad's show The Apprentice

After taking a break from modeling to focus on her education, Ivanka (seen in 2007 with her dad) entered the world of reality TV – starring as a judge on her dad’s show The Apprentice

In 2007, she launched her own jewelry line - and as she continued to grow her fashion empire, Ivanka also cemented her status as a Manhattan socialite. She's seen in 2013

In 2007, she launched her own jewelry line – and as she continued to grow her fashion empire, Ivanka also cemented her status as a Manhattan socialite. She’s seen in 2013

After finishing school, she entered the world of reality TV – starring as a judge on her dad’s show The Apprentice for its sixth and seventh seasons, and making numerous appearances in the competition series Project Runway. 

She joined the Trump Organization in 2005, where she served as the executive vice president for development and acquisitions. 

In 2007, she launched her own jewelry line with Dynamic Diamond Corp., called Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, which was a massive success and soon branched out to sell clothing, shoes, and accessories as well. 

As she continued to grow her fashion empire, Ivanka also cemented her status as a Manhattan socialite, and often spotted attending star-studded events and dominated gossip sites.

During Donald's presidential campaign, Ivanka stood fiercely by his side, and after he was elected as President, she and her husband, Jared Kushner, became White House advisors

During Donald’s presidential campaign, Ivanka stood fiercely by his side, and after he was elected as President, she and her husband, Jared Kushner, became White House advisors

After her dad left office in early 2021, Ivanka relocated to Miami, Florida, with Jared, and their three kids, Arabella, 13, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, eight

After her dad left office in early 2021, Ivanka relocated to Miami, Florida, with Jared, and their three kids, Arabella, 13, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, eight 

During Donald’s presidential campaign, Ivanka stood fiercely by his side, and after he was elected as President, she and her husband, Jared Kushner, announced that they would be serving as White House advisors. 

She then left the Trump Organization and stepped away from her fashion brand to focus full-time on her political position. 

After her dad left office in early 2021, Ivanka relocated to Miami, Florida, with Jared, and their three kids, Arabella, 13, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, eight. 

In November 2021, the mom-of-three announced that she was leaving the world of politics behind permanently to ‘prioritize her family,’ after her dad Donald confirmed that he would be running for president again in the 2024 election. 

Eric joined The Trump Organization as a teen and went on to become a major figure in the company

Donald's third child, Eric, joined The Trump Organization as a teen and went on to become a major figure in the company. He's seen in 2006
Eric is seen earlier this week

Donald’s third child, Eric, joined The Trump Organization as a teen and went on to become a major figure in the company

Eric joined his dad's business while he was still in high school, and would help on various projects in his free time. He's seen with his mom Ivana in 1996

Eric joined his dad’s business while he was still in high school, and would help on various projects in his free time. He’s seen with his mom Ivana in 1996

After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in finance and management in 2006, he started working for the company full-time. He's seen in 2006

After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in finance and management in 2006, he started working for the company full-time. He’s seen in 2006

Like his siblings, Eric (seen in 2016) served as a judge on his dad's show The Apprentice numerous times, and was a key advisor to his dad during his 2016, 2020, and 2024 campaigns

Like his siblings, Eric (seen in 2016) served as a judge on his dad’s show The Apprentice numerous times, and was a key advisor to his dad during his 2016, 2020, and 2024 campaigns

He became co-executive vice president of The Trump Organization with his brother Don Jr. in 2016 after his father's win. He's pictured last month

He became co-executive vice president of The Trump Organization with his brother Don Jr. in 2016 after his father’s win. He’s pictured last month

Eric joined his dad’s business while he was still in high school, and would help on various projects in his free time.

Eric wed his now-wife Lara Trump in 2014, and together, they have two children, a son named Erik 'Luke' and a daughter named Carolina

Eric wed his now-wife Lara Trump in 2014, and together, they have two children, a son named Erik ‘Luke’ and a daughter named Carolina

After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in finance and management in 2006, he started working for the company full-time.

In addition, he established the Eric Trump Foundation in 2007, which is ‘dedicated to raising money for terminally-ill children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.’

Like his siblings, he served as a judge on his dad’s show The Apprentice numerous times from 2010 until 2015, and was a key advisor to his dad during his 2016, 2020, and 2024 Presidential campaigns.

He became co-executive vice president of The Trump Organization with his brother Don Jr. in 2016 after his father’s win.

Eric wed his now-wife Lara Trump in 2014, and together, they have two children, a son named Erik ‘Luke’ and a daughter named Carolina. 

Tiffany tried her hand at being a musician and a model but both of those endeavors failed to take off

Donald's daughter with Marla Maples, Tiffany, tried her hand at being a musician and a model but both of those endeavors failed to take off. She's seen in 2007
Tiffany is seen this week

Donald’s daughter with Marla Maples, Tiffany, tried her hand at being a musician and a model but both of those endeavors failed to take off

Tiffany was immediately thrust into the spotlight, and was pictured attending events alongside her famous parents starting as a toddler. She's seen as a baby with her parents

Tiffany was immediately thrust into the spotlight, and was pictured attending events alongside her famous parents starting as a toddler. She’s seen as a baby with her parents

As a teen, she tried her hand at being a musician, releasing a single called Like a Bird, which was followed by a brief stint in the fashion industry. She's seen in 2005

As a teen, she tried her hand at being a musician, releasing a single called Like a Bird, which was followed by a brief stint in the fashion industry. She’s seen in 2005

After splitting from Ivana due to his highly publicized affair with Marla Maples, Donald went on to marry his mistress in 1993, and together, they welcomed daughter Tiffany before splitting in 1999.

Tiffany was immediately thrust into the spotlight, and was pictured attending events alongside her famous parents starting as a toddler.

As a teen, she tried her hand at being a musician, releasing a single called Like a Bird, which was followed by a brief stint in the fashion industry.

She interned for Vogue magazine in 2015 and modeled in the Andrew Warren fashion show during New York Fashion Week one year later – but ultimately, both of those endeavors failed to take off.

Tiffany (seen in 2006) interned for Vogue in 2015 and modeled in the Andrew Warren fashion show during NYFW one year later - but ultimately, both of those endeavors failed

Tiffany (seen in 2006) interned for Vogue in 2015 and modeled in the Andrew Warren fashion show during NYFW one year later – but ultimately, both of those endeavors failed

She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 with a degree in sociology, and went on to get her J.D. degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2020

She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 with a degree in sociology, and went on to get her J.D. degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2020

During her dad's campaigns, she took to the stage to speak about him numerous times. She's seen in 2019

During her dad’s campaigns, she took to the stage to speak about him numerous times. She’s seen in 2019

She married billionaire heir Michael Boulos in 2022, and revealed last month that they're expecting their first child together

She married billionaire heir Michael Boulos in 2022, and revealed last month that they’re expecting their first child together

She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 with a degree in sociology, and went on to get her J.D. degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2020.

During her dad’s campaigns, she took to the stage to speak about him numerous times.

She married billionaire heir Michael Boulos in 2022, and last month, Donald Trump revealed that the couple is expecting their first child together.

Barron shied away from the public eye and now attends New York University

Donald's son Barron, whom he shared with wife Melania Trump, shied away from the public eye and now attends New York University. He's seen in 2010
Barron is seen this week

Donald’s son Barron, whom he shared with wife Melania Trump, shied away from the public eye and now attends New York University

Despite being born at the height of Donald's fame, Barron has stayed the most private out of all his kids. He's seen with is parents in 2007

Despite being born at the height of Donald’s fame, Barron has stayed the most private out of all his kids. He’s seen with is parents in 2007

Barron was noticeably absent during much of Donald's campaign trails in 2016, 2020, and 2024. He's seen in 2016

Barron was noticeably absent during much of Donald’s campaign trails in 2016, 2020, and 2024. He’s seen in 2016 

After he divorced Marla, Donald moved on with Melania Trump, whom he wed in 2005, and together, they welcomed son Barron one year later. 

Despite being born at the height of Donald’s fame, Barron has stayed the most private out of all his kids.

He was raised in a lavish New York City penthouse apartment and attended an elite private school on the Upper West Side before he moved to Washington, D.C. after his dad was elected president.

After Donald left the White House, Barron relocated with his parents to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

He was raised in a lavish New York City penthouse apartment and attended an elite private school on the Upper West Side before he moved to Washington, D.C. after his dad was elected

He was raised in a lavish New York City penthouse apartment and attended an elite private school on the Upper West Side before he moved to Washington, D.C. after his dad was elected

After Donald left the White House, Barron relocated with his parents to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. He graduated from high school in 2024. He's seen at the graduation

After Donald left the White House, Barron relocated with his parents to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. He graduated from high school in 2024. He’s seen at the graduation

He is now attending New York University, and his mom previously described him as an 'incredible young man.' He's pictured this week

He is now attending New York University, and his mom previously described him as an ‘incredible young man.’ He’s pictured this week

Barron was noticeably absent during much of Donald’s campaign trails in 2016, 2020, and 2024. 

He graduated from high school in 2024, and his famous father was in the crowd cheering him on during the big moment.

He is now attending New York University, and his mom previously described him as an ‘incredible young man.’

‘I’m very proud of what he grew up to [be]. His strength. His intelligence. His knowledge, his kindness. It’s admirable,’ she gushed.



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