Trump Jr. in Salt Lake talks about father's run for GOP nomination


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SALT LAKE CITY — Republican presidential candidates are heading to South Carolina for the primary coming up on Feb. 20.

Donald Trump goes there with the lead following a big win in New Hampshire.

"New Hampshire was great," Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., said. "It was a good win, it was a big win. A lot of confidence and momentum."

Trump Jr., who is an avid hunter and outdoor enthusiast, arrived in Utah Thursday. He will be the keynote speaker Saturday at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo at the Salt Palace.

His visit with his family is a much needed break from campaigning for his dad. The Trump children have been very active in the campaign so far and say it's been difficult just trying to keep up.

"But he just keeps going," Trump Jr. said. "He doesn't sleep, he doesn't stop. It's been exciting to watch; because the message is resonating so well with Americans … whether it be the big businessmen that are supporting him, or the blue collar guy who says, 'hey, finally someone is saying what I've been thinking all the time, but I've never had that soapbox.' He has that soapbox and the platform, and he's doing it for this country."

He described his dad as a total machine that just keeps going.

"He's so focused on it, and it's a lot more pressure. I go and sit and watch him speak, and he's speaking in front of 12,000 people four times a day," he said. "It takes a lot out of you."

When he's out campaigning and shaking hands, Trump Jr. said he hears time and time again that his father's straightforward approach appeals to people.

"They love that he speaks his mind," he said. "There's no wondering what he's thinking and pretending … that forward nature, it's difficult for some people to adjust to, but he's gotten to the point where our problems are real. These are serious problems and they have to be actually discussed."

Photo: Mark Wetzel/KSL-TV
Photo: Mark Wetzel/KSL-TV

When asked if he cringes when he hears some of the things his dad has said, he replied, "I don't. I'm used to it. His delivery and message is sometimes abrupt, and I understand that. But I think it's because he's so frustrated at this point with what is going on in this country, because no one's willing to say it. I think sometimes you have to (smacks hands) say it in that way ... because you have to drive the point home. And guess what? He's done it and now those are real talking points."

He said while his father has a brash side to him that's very outspoken and very direct, "I also know him as the family guy, as the guy who just loves to joke around at the table."

Trump Jr. is an avid outdoorsman and says he understands the land issues in the west. Trump Jr. said he'll no doubt be back in Utah campaigning and hearing the concerns of those living here and making sure his father hears about those concerns.

Trump said it's been a whirlwind four months so far, but said the big New Hampshire win really gives the campaign momentum and he's excited about the future of the campaign.

"I'm learning on the fly. We all are. And I think we're doing remarkably well, considering we're learning on the fly," he said. "But that's because we've run real businesses and we understand how things ultimately will work. But we're putting it together as we go, so it's been great."

After spending a few days skiing and relaxing, Trump Jr. said it'll be back to 18-hour days trying to make his dad the GOP nominee.

Contributing: Viviane Vo-Duc

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