đ¨ TRUMP SHARES HISTORIC LETTER FROM YANKEES LEGEND GEORGE STEINBRENNER ENCOURAGING HIM TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT đ
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump shared a 37-year-old letter from legendary New York Yankees owner George M. Steinbrenner III, urging him to consider running for the White House. The letter, dated February 23, 1989, was penned by Steinbrenner, who owned the Yankees from 1973 until his death in 2010. Under his leadership, the Yankees won seven World Series titles and 11 American League pennants, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential sports figures of his time.
Steinbrenner, affectionately known as âThe Boss,â was not only a prominent baseball figure but also a larger-than-life personality in New York, often satirized in pop culture, including on the famous TV series Seinfeld, where Larry David voiced a character based on him.
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The Message from Steinbrenner: A Call to Action
The letter, shared by Trump on Sunday, praises his performance on The Morton Downey Jr. Show, calling Trumpâs appearance âtremendous.â Steinbrenner, who was a regular viewer of Downeyâs talk show, which aired in the late 1980s, encouraged Trump to consider a future presidential run, saying:
âDear Donald: Saw you on Morton Downey the other night. He is a friend, and I watch his show regularly. You were great! You tell it like it is. It is like I said to Stephen, you should run for President some day and get the whole damn thing straightened out. You were tremendous on the show.â
Trumpâs Appearance on The Morton Downey Jr. Show

In 1989, Trump appeared on Morton Downey Jr.âs controversial talk show, which was known for its sensationalist and often combative content. Downey, a notorious right-wing media figure dubbed âMort the Mouthâ, became famous for championing aggressive, often provocative stances, and was an early pioneer of what some would later call âTrash TV.â During his appearance, Trump discussed foreign policy and the press, noting that he no longer resented the negative media coverage he had often received. He explained:
âI think I used to resent it, Iâm not sure I do anymore. They take a shot at you in the newspaper, some reporter doesnât like something for his own personal reason, so they take a shot. I find now â10 years ago I used to say, âBoy how could they do that, itâs wrong, itâs unfair.â I find now that it really doesnât matter.â
Why Share This Letter Now?

Itâs unclear why President Trump decided to share this historic letter nearly four decades after it was written. However, its release adds an interesting layer to the narrative of Trumpâs political journey, showing that Steinbrenner saw presidential potential in him long before he ever took office. The letter serves as a reminder of the early encouragement Trump received from prominent figures in his business and personal life to pursue politics â a trajectory that ultimately led to his presidency.
Steinbrennerâs Legacy and Influence
While Steinbrenner is best known for his management of the New York Yankees, his influence extended far beyond baseball. His impact on the sports world, his brash personality, and his relationship with the media make him a unique figure in American cultural history. Much like Trump, Steinbrenner thrived in the public eye, often making headlines for his bold moves and confrontational style.
The letter from Steinbrenner offers a glimpse into the early days of Trump’s political journey and the encouragement he received from figures who believed in his ability to lead at the highest levels. Whether or not Steinbrenner’s words ultimately shaped Trump’s decision to run for president remains unclear, but it’s clear that the bond between these two larger-than-life personalities was one of mutual respect.
Whatâs Next for Trump and His Legacy?
The sharing of this letter is an interesting moment in Trumpâs post-presidential life, one that reflects the complex relationship between sports, media, and politics. As Trump continues to shape his political legacy, this letter from George Steinbrenner may serve as a reminder of the early validation that helped set the stage for his political rise.
Stay tuned as Donald Trumpâs story continues to unfold, with new insights into his journey toward the presidency and the figures who playe