Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump’s competitive nature is not only evident in business and politics, but also within his own family. His eldest daughter Ivanka and middle son Eric shared amusing stories about their father’s competitiveness, recalling moments when he tried to defeat them in a ski race. This fierce spirit and drive for success, inherited from their late mother Ivana, have undoubtedly contributed to their own accomplishments in the business and real estate world.
In interviews conducted by New York Magazine back in 2004, Ivanka revealed the sibling rivalry nurtured by their father, while Eric humorously recounted how Trump would go as far as trying to push him over to win against his 10-year-old son. Ivanka and Eric’s upbringing was centered around competitiveness, with their father encouraging and fostering this trait.
It is no surprise that Donald Trump’s competitive nature transcended beyond his family dynamics and into his political career. His multiple runs for the presidency and his time in office showcased his unwavering drive to succeed. However, this competitiveness was initially honed in his quest to become a successful businessman and real estate developer.
Don Jr., the eldest son, shared in the same New York Magazine interview that competitiveness was just one aspect of their upbringing. Their parents also instilled in them a strong work ethic and the understanding of the value of money. Their childhood taught them the importance of earning what they desired, even when they were in college. This solid foundation continues to shape their work as adults within the Trump Organization, where their father serves as a fair boss and a tireless worker.
Interestingly, it wasn’t only their father who passed on these competitive traits. The reporter also spoke with Ivana, their mother, who herself had found success as a ski racer. She emphasized that competitiveness didn’t end with skiing but extended into their lives. Ivana placed great value on instilling these virtues in her children, which they undoubtedly carry with them today.
However, critics argue that Trump’s dedication to his business and political ambitions may have overshadowed his presence in his children’s lives. His first wife, Ivana, noted in a 2016 interview with the New York Daily News that she primarily raised their three children on her own, as Trump seemed more interested in discussing business than spending time with them. Trump’s second wife, Marla Maples, echoed this sentiment in an interview with People Magazine, stating that while he provided for their daughter Tiffany’s education, he was not present in their day-to-day lives.
While there is no doubt that Donald Trump loves his children, the criticisms regarding his lack of time spent with them are valid. As a conservative, it is important to acknowledge this aspect and understand the potential impact it may have had on his children’s upbringing. Nonetheless, it is clear that Trump’s competitive nature and strong work ethic have left a lasting impression on his children, fueling their own successes as they follow in his footsteps.
