You’ve seen the photos. Every president for the last century or so—until recently—seemed to have a wagging tail following them across the South Lawn. It’s basically a requirement of the job at this point, right? You get the keys to the Oval Office, you get a nuclear football, and you get a Golden Retriever. But then came Donald Trump.
If you’re looking for a simple answer to the question, does trump have pets, the short version is no. He doesn't. And honestly, he hasn't for a long time.
It’s actually a bit of a historical anomaly. Before he took office in 2017, you had to go all the way back to Andrew Johnson in the 1860s to find a president who didn't share the White House with a furry companion. Even Johnson reportedly fed some white mice he found in his bedroom, which... okay, maybe doesn't count as a "pet" in the traditional sense, but it’s something. Trump, however, broke a 150-year-old streak of "First Dogs" and "First Cats."
The "Phony" Factor: Why the White House Stayed Pet-Free
During a 2019 rally in El Paso, Trump finally addressed the "dog in the room." He told the crowd that he wouldn't mind having one, but he just didn't have the time. Then he said something that really gave people a glimpse into his mindset. He asked the audience, "How would I look walking a dog on the White House lawn?"
He followed that up by saying it felt "a little phony" to him.
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Basically, he knew people were telling him to get a dog because it’s "good politics." It softens the image. It makes a leader look more approachable. But Trump’s whole brand is about being "what you see is what you get," and he felt that getting a dog just for the optics would be disingenuous. He explicitly told his supporters, "That’s not the relationship I have with my people."
What the family says
If you dig into the memoirs, the story gets more nuanced. The late Ivana Trump wrote in her book, Raising Trump, that Donald was "not a dog fan." She had a poodle named Chappy, and apparently, the dog wasn't a fan of Donald either. Chappy would bark at him whenever he got near Ivana’s closet.
It's sorta funny when you think about it—the man who has faced down world leaders and massive crowds being territorially challenged by a poodle. But that experience might have colored his view of pet ownership for decades.
The Westminster Connection
Despite not having a dog of his own, Trump isn't exactly a stranger to the canine world. For years, he had a tradition of hosting the winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Trump Tower. There are photos of him with champion show dogs, looking perfectly comfortable.
He clearly respects the "top-tier" nature of these animals. During his first term, he also famously honored Conan, the Belgian Malinois who participated in the raid that took down ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He called Conan a "tough cookie" and "the world’s most famous dog."
So, it's not that he hates animals. He just doesn't want the responsibility of owning one.
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The "Low Class" Controversy
There was a rumor floating around—reported by The Atlantic in 2017—that Trump thought pet ownership was "low class." This supposedly came up when Mike Pence brought his menagerie of pets to Washington (including the famous rabbit, Marlon Bundo).
However, Trump’s team has denied this. And given how much he praised Conan and the drug-sniffing dogs at the border, it’s more likely he just views animals through a lens of utility or performance rather than companionship.
Does Trump have pets in 2026?
As of 2026, the status quo remains. Even with his return to the political spotlight, there have been no adoptions. No "First Puppy" announcements. No rescue cats.
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Interestingly, the 2024 campaign was one of the first in modern history where neither major candidate had a pet at the time (since Kamala Harris also did not have pets). This has led to a bit of a shift in how we view the "political pet." For a long time, it was a mandatory accessory for humanization. Now? It seems voters are becoming more used to leaders who don't feel the need to use a pet as a prop.
Comparing the "Pet Gap"
To give you an idea of how much of an outlier this is, look at the presidents immediately surrounding him:
- The Bidens: Had German Shepherds (Champ, Major, and Commander) and a cat named Willow.
- The Obamas: Bo and Sunny, the Portuguese Water Dogs who were practically celebrities.
- The Bushes: Barney and Miss Beazley (Scottish Terriers) and India (a cat).
- The Clintons: Socks the cat and Buddy the Labrador.
By contrast, Trump’s lack of a pet highlights his focus on a very different kind of image—one built on business, strength, and being a "non-traditional" politician.
Actionable Insights for Pet Lovers and Political Junkies
If you’re wondering what this means for the future of the White House or your own understanding of presidential history, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the Sources: When you see a "new Trump dog" trending on social media, it’s almost always an AI-generated image or a parody. Always verify with official White House or family statements.
- The Pence Precedent: If you're looking for animal-related stories within the Trump orbit, look to the extended family and associates. Lara Trump, for example, has been very active in animal rescue advocacy.
- Tradition vs. Authenticity: Use this as a case study in how modern political branding is changing. The "phony" comment by Trump is a rare moment where a politician admitted to rejecting a standard PR move because it didn't feel authentic to them.
- Historical Context: If you're a history buff, look into James K. Polk. He’s the only other "no-pet" president who really fits the same mold—entirely consumed by the work of the office with zero hobbies or "distractions."
Basically, don't expect a Golden Retriever to be wandering the West Wing anytime soon. Donald Trump is a man of habits, and after 80 years of not being a "dog person," he’s probably not going to change his mind now.