Little Don Divides The Maga Base: Is Donald Trump Jr. The Next President?

The future of the MAGA movement may be less red hats and more Young Guns. While the political establishment focuses on President Donald Trump's immediate electoral prospects, a surprising new figure is quietly cementing his status as the heir apparent to the Republican throne: Donald Trump Jr. Known to some as 'Little Don', the eldest Trump son is emerging not just as a political pundit, but as a serious dark horse contender for the 2028 presidential race, largely driven by an unexpected surge in support among America's youngest voters.

This shift suggests that the loyalty driving the MAGA base is generational, not solely tied to the patriarch. Despite never having held public office, Trump Jr.'s aggressive social media presence and staunch defence of his father have made him a powerful political figure in his own right, one who is now polling competitively against seasoned senators and governors. The question is no longer if he will run, but when he will seize his opportunity to transform his online influence into political power.

The Youth Appeal and the Rise of Donald Trump Jr. 2028

Recent polling data has spotlighted the surprising depth of support for Donald Trump Jr., particularly among the demographic most politicians struggle to reach: young Americans. A new YouGov survey positioned Trump Jr. as the second-most favoured Republican candidate for the 2028 nomination, though his appeal among younger voters places him effectively at the head of the pack.

More than a quarter, specifically over 25% of Republicans and right-leaning independents under 30 years old, chose him as their 'ideal' choice to lead the GOP party. This finding represents a significant 10-point increase from data collected in April of the same year, demonstrating a rapidly growing acceptance of his leadership potential. Furthermore, a majority of younger voters expressed an open mind about his candidacy: 53% of voters aged 18 to 29 and 55% aged 30 to 44 indicated they would 'consider' casting a ballot for Trump Jr. in the next Republican presidential primary.

While Ohio Senator JD Vance is still leading the overall 2028 polls, securing 42% of support compared to Trump Jr.'s 13% overall backing, a granular examination of the data reveals a different story among the youngest demographic. When looking solely at 18-to-29-year-olds, Vance actually trails Trump Jr. by three points.

This is a dramatic reversal from April data, which showed Vance with 52% support among that group compared to just 18% for the former president's son. The shift indicates that 'Little Don' is successfully courting the next generation of conservative voters, bypassing rivals like Ron DeSantis and Marco Rubio, who trailed in the survey with 7% and 5% support, respectively.

The man himself has indicated his willingness to enter the political fray. Discussing the potential for a run last May, he commented, 'I don't know, maybe one day, you know – that calling is there,' adding, 'I think my father has truly changed the Republican Party. I think it's the America First party now, the MAGA party, however you want to look at it.'

Having served as a confidant and advisor to his father, and as the honorary chair of the Trump presidential transition team, he clearly possesses the experience and, crucially, the name recognition to organise a national campaign.

The Constitutional Hurdle and the Path Forward for Donald Trump Jr. 2028

The increasing buzz surrounding Donald Trump Jr. is also fuelled by the constitutional constraints facing his father. Despite President Donald Trump stating he would 'love to do it,' he has admitted that a third term is virtually impossible under current law.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, he acknowledged the challenge, saying, 'It's a very interesting thing. I have the best numbers for any president in many years,' but clarified, 'And I would say that, if you read it, it's pretty clear I'm not allowed to run. It's too bad.'

House Speaker Mike Johnson has further affirmed this reality, clarifying that a third term is not possible under the current framework. Johnson told reporters in Washington, 'I don't see a path for that,' and stressed that he has discussed the constitutional limitations with the former president directly. 'He and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution,' Johnson added.

The 22nd Amendment clearly limits a president to two terms, and the process to amend the Constitution to allow for a third term would take years, requiring overwhelming support from both Congress and state legislatures—a political impossibility. The Speaker noted that the former president continues to raise the subject partly because 'He has a good time with that, trolling the Democrats.'

With the door to a third term effectively closed for the former president, and the 'America First' movement demanding a continuity candidate, the path for Donald Trump Jr. to step into the 2028 race is becoming clear.

His popularity with the young, dedicated base of the party, his familiarity with the mechanics of a high-profile campaign, and his father's tacit blessing make him a formidable—and divisive—candidate ready to inherit the most loyal political machine in modern American history.