A remarkable piece of political history has resurfaced from the archives - a 1990 Playboy magazine interview with Donald Trump that reveals the property mogul was already contemplating a run for the White House more than two decades before he actually became president.
The candid conversation, conducted when Trump was just 43 years old, shows the future leader of the free world openly discussing his presidential ambitions and sharing views that would later become familiar themes during his controversial political career.
The Presidential Tease
In what now reads as remarkably prescient, Trump told Playboy: "It's very possible that I could be the first presidential candidate to run and make money on it." This early fascination with the presidency demonstrates that Trump's political ambitions weren't a sudden development but had been simmering for decades.
The interview captures Trump at a pivotal moment - fresh from the success of his book The Art of the Deal and establishing himself as a household name through his business ventures and growing media profile.
Controversial Views Surface Early
Several positions that would later define Trump's political persona appear throughout the interview. He expressed strong opinions on trade, particularly with Japan, stating the country was "ripping us off left and right" - a precursor to the protectionist policies that would characterise his presidency.
His views on leadership and negotiation also foreshadowed his future political style, emphasising strength and what he perceived as America's need for tougher leadership on the world stage.
The Playboy Platform
The decision to grant such a substantial interview to Playboy magazine reflected Trump's understanding of celebrity culture and media manipulation long before entering politics. The publication, under Hugh Hefner's leadership, had become an unlikely platform for serious interviews with prominent figures.
Trump's appearance in the magazine - he also featured on the cover - demonstrated his comfort with blending business, celebrity and what would eventually become politics, creating a template that would serve him well in his future career.
Historical Significance
This rediscovered interview provides valuable context for understanding Trump's political journey. It shows that many of the themes, attitudes and even policy preferences he would later champion as president were already forming in his mind during the early 1990s.
The timing is particularly significant, coming just before what would become a turbulent period in Trump's business career, including several bankruptcies in the early 1990s that might have derailed lesser political ambitions.
For political historians and observers alike, this piece of Trump history offers a fascinating glimpse into the early development of one of the most unconventional political figures of modern times.
