Like father, like son. The adage rings particularly true for Eric Trump, the second son of former President Donald Trump. As the Trump family continues to dominate headlines, striking parallels between Eric and his famous father have emerged, painting a picture of a chip off the old block.

Like his father, Eric has straddled the worlds of business and politics. As a key figure in the Trump Organization, he’s been thrust into the political spotlight, defending his father’s administration and campaigning on his behalf. Unlike his siblings, Eirc never had a senior role in Trump’s government.

Both Trumps exhibit a strong sense of family loyalty. Eric has been one of his father’s most ardent defenders, often appearing on television to support him. Fox News has been particularly fertile ground with Eric often appearing in support of his father even if the network is not as ardently in favour of Donald as it was eight years ago.

From Russia with love

Perhaps the most intriguing similarity lies in their alleged ties to Russia. In 2014, Eric Trump reportedly told golf writer James Dodson that the Trump Organization didn’t rely on American banks for funding their golf courses. Instead, he claimed, “We have all the funding we need out of Russia”.

This statement eerily echoes the controversies surrounding his father’s alleged Russian connections during his presidency.

However, Eric later vehemently denied making such claims, calling them “completely fabricated”.

Controversial statements

Eric seems to have inherited his father’s penchant for making headline-grabbing statements. From comparing waterboarding to college hazing to suggesting that sexual harassment wouldn’t happen to strong women like his sister Ivanka, Eric’s comments often spark public outrage and media scrutiny.

The shadow of his father’s legacy looms large, and although Eric seems to be kept at an armms-length from his father, he is certainly and person of interest coming into this election.