Newsom Claims Trump Wanted Ivanka to Date Tom Brady

The California governor's memoir alleges Trump tried to set up his daughter with the NFL star.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In his new memoir, California Governor Gavin Newsom claims that former President Donald Trump told him he had tried to set up his daughter Ivanka with NFL quarterback Tom Brady, but that Ivanka had turned Brady down in favor of marrying Jared Kushner instead. Newsom says Trump expressed dismay at Ivanka's choice, noting that Kushner's father had recently been released from prison.

Why it matters

This anecdote from Newsom's memoir provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the personal relationships and dynamics within the Trump family and inner circle. It also sheds light on Trump's apparent desire to see his daughter marry a high-profile celebrity like Brady, rather than Kushner, whose father had a criminal past.

The details

According to Newsom, Trump told him that when Brady was single, Trump gave the quarterback Ivanka's phone number after Brady expressed interest in dating her. However, Ivanka never called Brady back, instead choosing to date and eventually marry Jared Kushner. Trump then confronted Ivanka about snubbing Brady, at which point she revealed her relationship with Kushner. Trump was reportedly dismayed, noting that Kushner's father had recently been released from prison.

  • In his first term, Trump pardoned Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, who had been convicted of 18 criminal counts including tax evasion and witness retaliation.
  • Trump appointed Charles Kushner as ambassador to France during his second term.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, who is publishing a memoir that includes this anecdote about Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who, according to Newsom's memoir, tried to set up his daughter Ivanka with NFL quarterback Tom Brady.

Ivanka Trump

The daughter of former President Donald Trump, who allegedly turned down the opportunity to date Tom Brady in favor of marrying Jared Kushner.

Tom Brady

The NFL quarterback who, according to Newsom's account, expressed interest in dating Ivanka Trump but was turned down.

Jared Kushner

The husband of Ivanka Trump, whose father was convicted of 18 criminal counts and later pardoned by President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“I said, 'Jesus, you know, Tom Brady. What the hell is going on? Why aren't you calling this guy back?' And she tells me, 'Oh, I'm in love.' 'What do you mean you're in love?' And that's when she mentions, this guy.' Trump said, gesturing to his son-in-law.”

— Donald Trump (Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery)

What’s next

Newsom's memoir is expected to be released in the coming months, providing further details and context around this and other anecdotes about the Trump administration.

The takeaway

This story from Newsom's memoir offers a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics and decision-making within the Trump family, shedding light on the former president's apparent desire to see his daughter marry a high-profile celebrity rather than Jared Kushner, whose father had a criminal past.