When Donald Trump launched his second presidential campaign, Lara Trump emerged as one of his most trusted allies. Rumors suggest that she may have even replaced Ivanka Trump as Donald’s new favorite. Since Ivanka distanced herself from her father after the January 6th Capitol incident, Lara has become a key figure in Donald’s inner circle and has taken on a leading role within the Republican Party. As co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), she expressed her dedication to ensuring Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, telling the Associated Press, “My No. 1 goal is making sure that Donald Trump is the 47th president.”
At the Republican National Convention, Lara embraced her newfound leadership role within the GOP, confidently taking the stage and posing for the cameras. Despite online criticism about her appearance, particularly her makeup, Lara has remained focused on her political responsibilities, undeterred by the negative comments.
Before meeting Eric Trump in 2008, Lara, then known as Lara Yunaska, pursued amateur modeling while attending North Carolina State University. To support herself through college, she worked at Hooters and participated in various bikini contests, winning several, including the 2004 Hammerjax Bikini Contest. Her success in these competitions led to a few photo shoots for men’s magazines, including a feature in Stuff magazine in 2005 and a local swimsuit calendar.
However, after meeting Eric, Lara’s modeling career slowed, and by the time they married in 2014, that chapter of her life had ended. When questions about Lara’s modeling past arose, RNC spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed them as attempts to attack her character, criticizing those digging into Lara’s past as resorting to “sexist attacks.”
Lara’s career has since taken a dramatic turn as she transitioned into a political operative. In her role as co-chair of the RNC, she has focused on supporting her father-in-law’s campaign for the 2024 election and has positioned herself as a rising force within the GOP. According to political observers, Lara’s new position gives her significant influence within the party, and she is seen as more than just a Trump family member—she is a powerful political figure in her own right.
In fact, since taking over as co-chair, the RNC has seen a notable increase in fundraising. Lara is also reportedly planning to help elevate another Trump, this time Donald Trump Jr., as a potential future political star. Speaking to The Times before the 2024 Republican National Convention, she hinted that Don Jr. may be looking at a higher office in the future.
