Trump declines to answer if his sons’ names could ever be on the ballot

Trump praised his sons as 'good' and hardworking people while leaving the door ajar for another family member to appear on the ballot
President Donald Trump was asked whether his sons’ names could ever appear on the ballot while speaking to the media before boarding Air Force One on September 13, 2026, in Shannon, Ireland (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump was asked whether his sons’ names could ever appear on the ballot while speaking to the media before boarding Air Force One on September 13, 2026, in Shannon, Ireland (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, September 13, left open the possibility of another member of his family one day potentially appearing on the ballot, declining to rule it out when asked about his sons’ political futures.

The 80-year-old said “I don't know,” when asked if there could still be a Trump name on the ballot before praising them as “good” and hardworking people. The interview did not identify a specific son or race, but his remarks came as he has increasingly placed himself at the center of the Republican Party’s campaign strategy for the upcoming midterm elections.

Trump declines to answer when asked about another family campaign



While boarding Air Force One to return to the United States following his two-day visit to Ireland, the POTUS was asked whether another member of the Trump family could eventually appear on a ballot, with the reporter suggesting that “maybe they could win.” Trump did not directly rule out the possibility, instead responding, “I don't know. I better not get into that.”

He then praised his sons without identifying any specific political plans for them. “But they're good. You know what? They work hard, and they're very good people,” Trump said. “I call them kids. They're not kids, but I call them. They're still my kids. And they're great kids.”

Trump's remarks did not amount to an endorsement of a particular family member running for office, nor did he identify a specific race or election in which another Trump could appear on the ballot. Instead, he left the question open while emphasizing his sons' work ethic and character.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 02: Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump arrive at New York Supreme Court for former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial on November 02, 2023 in New York City. Trump's children, Donald Jr., Eric and daughter Ivanka, are all expected to testify at their father's trial in the coming days. The former president may be forced to sell off his properties after Justice Engoron canceled his business certificates and ruled that he committed fraud for years while building his real estate empire after being sued by Attorney General Letitia James, seeking $250 million in damages. The trial will determine how much he and his companies will be penalized for the fraud. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
Donald Trump Jr and his brother Eric Trump arrive at New York Supreme Court for former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial on November 2, 2023, in New York City (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

Trump tells Republican voters to ‘pretend that I’m on the ballot’

Trump has also repeatedly urged Republican voters to treat this year’s midterm elections as though he were personally running. During the opening night of the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas on September 9, Trump made a direct appeal to supporters.

“And pretend that I'm on the ballot," Trump told the crowd. "I'm on the ballot. I'm on. Just one more time." Trump argued that Republican control of Congress was necessary to preserve his administration’s agenda, warning supporters about what could happen if Democrats regained power.



“Because if we lose, you're going to lose your border. You're going to lose your tax cuts. You're going to lose your safety and security. You're going to lose your wealth," Trump said. "We're running together," Trump added. "This is the most important election of your lives."

Trump has repeated the message at other campaign events. During a rally in South Carolina in August, where he campaigned for Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham ahead of an upcoming runoff, he again asked voters to view the race as if he were personally on the ballot.



“What I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot. Just come and vote. It's so important,” Trump said. “Just say that I'm on the ballot one more time.”

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