President Donald Trump’s extended family often makes headlines, but this time, attention turned to his grandson, Spencer Trump — and a series of birthday photos that sparked heated debate online.
A Family Celebration That Turned Controversial
Donald Trump Jr., the former president’s eldest son, recently celebrated his youngest son Spencer’s 13th birthday with a post on Instagram. The photo collection, shared with his 10 million followers, showed heartwarming family moments alongside outdoor adventures.
In his caption, Don Jr. wrote:
“Happy birthday to the littlest of my little men. Spencer, I can’t believe you’re 13 and I hope you have an awesome day, buddy. I love you so much and can’t wait to get back into the outdoors with you. You make me very proud.”
While many fans wished Spencer a happy birthday, others were quick to notice something that sparked outrage — several images showed the teenager holding firearms during hunting trips.
Critics React to the Images
Out of the twelve photos posted, three showed Spencer handling guns while out hunting with his father. The images ignited backlash across social media, with some users questioning the appropriateness of introducing a child to hunting and firearms at such a young age.
One commenter wrote, “Not even 13 and already posing with guns — truly disturbing.” Another added, “There’s no reason a child should be holding a weapon or killing animals for sport.”
Supporters, however, defended the photos, arguing that responsible gun education and hunting traditions are part of many American families’ values. One follower countered, “Teaching kids about safety and respect for nature isn’t dangerous — it’s responsible parenting.”
A History of Hunting Controversies
This isn’t the first time Don Jr. has come under scrutiny for his hunting lifestyle. In 2019, reports surfaced that his hunting trip to Mongolia — where he allegedly killed a rare Argali mountain sheep — cost U.S. taxpayers more than $75,000. The hunting permit, according to investigative reports, was issued only after the hunt had taken place.
Earlier this year, Don Jr. was also accused of shooting a protected bird species, the Ruddy Shelduck, during a hunting trip near Venice, Italy. Italian authorities launched an investigation, though his team denied any wrongdoing.
The Larger Debate
Donald Trump Jr. has long been an outspoken supporter of gun rights and hunting culture, often sharing “trophy” photos from his expeditions around the world. While his followers see him as an advocate for tradition and outdoor education, critics argue that such posts glamorize violence and set a dangerous example for younger audiences.
The Takeaway
What began as a family birthday tribute quickly turned into a wider conversation about parenting, ethics, and America’s ongoing debate over firearms and hunting.
Whether seen as a celebration of family and tradition or a tone-deaf display, the reaction to Spencer Trump’s 13th birthday photos underscores how deeply divided public opinion remains — even over something as simple as a father’s birthday post.
