Lara Trump, former co-chair of the RNC and host of “My View” on Fox News, sat down for an exclusive interview with The Tennessee Star’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Michael Patrick Leahy in Nashville this week.
During the conversation which took place at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, Trump discussed the significance of America’s upcoming 250th birthday, her upbringing and education, and what it is like raising children whose grandfather is President Donald Trump.
“It’s so special and I can’t think of a better person to be in office right now than the 45th and 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump, on America’s 250th birthday. Everybody’s excited in D.C.,” Trump said during an appearance on The Michael Patrick Leahy Show.
The discussion turned to civic education and whether young Americans are still learning the foundational principles of the country.
Trump said she remembers learning about the Constitution and founding of the country and “remember[s] it being a very special thing.”
After Leahy presented her with a copy of The Guide to the Constitution and Bill of Rights for Secondary School Students, a student-focused version of the Constitution and Bill of Rights used in a civics competition he co-authored with Claudia Henneberry, and detailed the National Constitution Bee’s Constitution-focused scholarship competition, Trump emphasized the importance of these founding documents.
“When you think back to our Constitution, our Declaration of Independence, and really what set the tone for the country we’ve become, these are values and what’s written in these documents are so important,” she said. “And it’s a little scary to think that perhaps those aren’t what are being taught in school today.”
Trump, who has two young children with her husband, Eric Trump, also spoke about raising kids in a presidential family while trying to maintain a normal upbringing.
“For a long time they really just knew it was Grandpa,” she said. “And I think it’s only been very recently that they started to realize – probably the inauguration last year – that maybe Grandpa is a little bit different.”
She recalled a moment when her father-in-law, the president, attended a school event for her daughter’s class.
“When he came to Grandparents’ Day for my daughter’s class, I think my daughter realized maybe he’s a little different than the other grandpas who were here,” Trump said.
Despite the unique circumstances, she said the couple prioritizes keeping their children grounded.
“For the two of us and our family – Eric and I – it’s important for us to really raise kids who are just good people,” she said. “I go out of my way as a mom to try and ensure that they have a very standard upbringing. Our kids are in sports like a lot of other kids.”
She added that while they want their children to experience ordinary childhood activities, they also understand the responsibility that comes with their family name.
“I don’t want them to be treated any differently by friends, by their teachers. I just want them to grow up in the same great country that I got to grow up in and experience the amazing upbringing you can have in the greatest country on Earth,” she said. “And with that in mind though, understanding that it’s important that we represent our family well and that they’re an extension of the current president of the United States.”
Trump also shared an anecdote about the famously demanding schedule of the president.
“He very often would be calling us at night after we’re asleep and saying, ‘I didn’t wake you up, did I?’ – and he always woke us up,” she said. “And then calling us very early the next morning as well. So he definitely sleeps less than most.”
After sitting down with Leahy, Trump was scheduled to address attendees at a “Give Me Liberty” event hosted by Americans for Prosperity, where she said her message would focus on civic responsibility as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
“This is about keeping America the greatest country on Earth,” she said. “Reminding the people here tonight that we all play a role in making sure that our country stays great.”
Trump added that Americans should feel empowered to contribute to the country’s future regardless of their background.
“There is no one who has to look at their circumstances and say, ‘You know what? I don’t think I can do it,’” she said. “Everyone can do something – as small as it might be or as large as it might be.”
Tune in now to The Michael Patrick Leahy Show – your AMERICA FIRST news talk!
– Watch LIVE here on X
– Watch LIVE on Roku
– Listen on Spotify
– Listen on WENO AM760 in Nashville
– Read more at @TheTNStarhttps://t.co/dNSxyb82Hw— Michael Patrick Leahy (@michaelpleahy) March 12, 2026
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
