During a recent ceremony in Palm Beach, Donald Trump tried to shine a spotlight on his family and ended up creating an awkward scene. A stretch of Southern Boulevard was renamed “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard,” and Trump took the stage to talk about his children.
He turned to his son Eric and launched into a long speech of admiration. “We have Eric Trump right here. Great guy. He’s a great young guy, and he’s done a fantastic job. When I’m away, I don’t know — I’ve looked at, I see things happening all over the world — and him, the whole family has been so terrific. But Eric has been right there at the front and I appreciate it very much. He’s a great boy. We love that boy. We love that boy. Thank you, honey. Appreciate it,” Trump said.
Trump: I have Eric Trump right here. He is a great young guy and done a fantastic job. When I am away, I see things happening all over the world and the whole family has been terrific but Eric has been at the front and I appreciate it. He’s a great boy. pic.twitter.com/4kdrh2otOP
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 16, 2026
It was not the words themselves that caused the stir. It was the way Trump said them. He kept peeking at his notes, like he needed a reminder of what to say next. Online, people could not stop talking about it. Eric is 41 and already a father of two.
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calling your 40 year old son “a great boy” is wild
— LegalSifter (@legalsifter_AI) January 16, 2026
MY GOD…..he talks about @EricTrump as if he is one of his crony billionaire buddies at mar a lago.
he’s a great “boy”…..who is 42. pic.twitter.com/7SLCgMVFbQ
— cjoan (@cjoan223817) January 16, 2026
Great…at stealing money from kids cancer charities!
— Emmyjo (@Road_trippn) January 16, 2026
I can only imagine which position Eric had to assume to warrant this praise from daddy. 😈
— Anna Baxter 🇺🇸✌🏻 (@MsAnnaBaxter) January 16, 2026
That’s the closest Eric will ever get to a hug
— Meer (@MeerkatsRMammal) January 16, 2026
The pet names also caught eyes. “Why is he calling everyone honey today? First Loomer now his own son,” one user said.
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The scene also reminded observers of Eric’s unusual position in the family. Stories from his youth suggest he was often overlooked. He recalled telling his mother about his high school graduation only to be told it conflicted with the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. Ivana Trump attended the race but not the ceremony.
By contrast Ivanka has long been the clear favorite. Trump frequently praises her intelligence looks and charm in ways that make even supporters squirm.
Barron, his youngest, gets a different treatment. Trump talks about him in terms of potential and future almost like he is describing a symbol rather than a child.
Donald Jr and Tiffany each hold their own space in Trump’s world. Eric however standing in front of his father still seemed to be treated like someone barely remembered.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery