Donald Trump Jr. shares a fun childhood memory of playing video games with Michael Jackson

Growing up in the luxurious Trump Tower, Donald Trump Jr. lived a life filled with privilege and occasional celebrity encounters thanks to his father’s wide circle of friends. One of those standout moments involved the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, who actually owned an apartment in the same building and would drop by to hang out with the Trump kids.

Trump Jr. has opened up about those days in interviews and his book, recalling how he and his siblings would have playdates with Michael. One particular story stands out from the late 80s or early 90s, right around the peak of Jackson’s fame. The kids were deep into a Nintendo session playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when their dad walked in and noticed how much Michael was enjoying the game. Without missing a beat, Donald Trump handed the game cartridge over to him as a gift.

Trump Jr. remembered the moment with a mix of amazement and disbelief during a chat on Fox News. “Michael Jackson used to come up and he was our neighbor at Trump Tower,” he said. “So I was playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Michael Jackson! This is in the early 90s — maybe even late 80s. Peak Michael.”

He continued, “We’re playing Nintendo and Michael really likes the game. So my dad walks in and says ‘well why don’t you take the game Michael?’ And I’m sitting there like…” The look on his face said it all. Trump Jr. explained that his parents always made sure the kids worked for the things they wanted, so earning that game had meant something to him. Seeing it go to Michael Jackson, who could have easily gotten his own copy, left him stunned.

The story highlights a lighter side of life in the Trump household during those years, full of unexpected celebrity moments amid the family’s busy world. Trump Jr. has shared many reflections on his upbringing, from summers spent fishing with his maternal grandparents in Czechoslovakia to learning fluent Czech, and navigating the challenges after his parents’ divorce when he was 12.

These days, Donald Trump Jr. remains actively involved in his father’s endeavors and continues to speak candidly about his experiences. It’s a reminder of how even in high-profile families, some memories are just about kids being kids — and occasionally crossing paths with icons like Michael Jackson over a classic Nintendo game.

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