Trump Wrongly Claims His Father Was Born in Germany

President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his father was born in Germany, but records show Fred Trump was actually born in New York.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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President Donald Trump has on multiple occasions stated that his father Fred Trump was born in Germany, when in fact Fred Trump was born in New York in 1905. Trump's grandfather emigrated from Germany in 1885, but Trump's father was a native-born New Yorker. The president has made similar mistakes about his mother's birthplace as well, incorrectly stating she was born in Germany when she was actually born in Scotland.

Why it matters

Trump's repeated claims about his family's European heritage, when the facts show his parents were born in the United States and Scotland, raise questions about the president's understanding of his own family history and background. Accurate information about one's ancestry is important, especially for a public figure like the president.

The details

In a recent meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump nearly said his father was born in Germany before catching himself. Trump has made this mistake before, stating in a 2025 meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that his "father was born in Germany." However, records show Fred Trump was born in Queens, New York in 1905. Trump's grandfather did emigrate from Germany in 1885, but Trump's father was a native-born American. Trump has also incorrectly stated that his mother Mary Anne MacLeod was born in Germany, when she was actually born in Scotland and immigrated to New York in the 1930s.

  • In a March 3, 2026 meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump nearly said his father was born in Germany.
  • In a July 2025 meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump stated "My father was born in Germany."
  • In 2019, Trump said his father was "born in a very wonderful place in Germany."

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

Fred Trump

Donald Trump's father, who was born in New York in 1905, not Germany as Trump has claimed.

Mary Anne MacLeod

Donald Trump's mother, who was born in Scotland and immigrated to New York in the 1930s, not Germany as Trump has stated.

Friedrich Merz

The current Chancellor of Germany.

Keir Starmer

The current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

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What they’re saying

“My father was born..." ”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The White House has not yet commented on Trump's repeated claims about his father's birthplace. It remains to be seen if the president will clarify or correct his statements about his family's European heritage.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of public figures, especially the president, having accurate information about their own personal and family history. Trump's repeated mistakes about where his parents were born raise questions about his understanding of his own ancestry and background.