Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump approaches to embrace Donald Trump Jr at his campaign rally, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 4, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
Donald Trump Jr.’s Rising Influence in Transition Decisions
Donald Trump Jr. has become the most influential family member in shaping President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial cabinet, according to multiple sources. His role includes elevating loyalists and sidelining others, often prioritizing ideological alignment over traditional qualifications. This marks a significant shift in family dynamics, as Trump’s reliance on specific relatives for political counsel has varied over time.
Shaping the Cabinet
Don Jr. has been instrumental in determining who rises to key positions. He reportedly advocated for Senator J.D. Vance as Trump’s running mate, a choice that resonated with Trump’s base but drew criticism for Vance’s divisive rhetoric and views on Ukraine aid. Conversely, Don Jr. opposed former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s return to the administration.
Sources indicate that Don Jr.’s influence extends to promoting candidates with anti-establishment views, such as protectionist economic policies and reduced military interventions. However, some of his preferred candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary and Tulsi Gabbard for intelligence chief, face significant challenges in securing Senate confirmation.
Continued Role Beyond the Transition
While Don Jr. plans to join the conservative venture capital firm 1789 Capital and continue hosting his podcast, he will also advise his father. However, he is not expected to participate in daily White House deliberations or manage the broader transition process full-time.
Not All Picks Landed Roles
Despite his growing political capital, Don Jr. has not succeeded in all his personnel recommendations. For instance, he pushed for Ric Grenell to become secretary of state, but the position ultimately went to Senator Marco Rubio, whose more traditional stance did not align with Trump’s populist base.
Shifting Family Roles
In contrast to the prominent roles Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner played during the 2016 campaign and Trump’s first term, their involvement has waned. Kushner, a key figure in Middle East policy during Trump’s presidency, is now mentoring real estate investor Steve Witkoff, Trump’s new special envoy to the region. Kushner is expected to continue advising on Middle Eastern matters unofficially, focusing on expanding the Abraham Accords to include Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization.
Meanwhile, Eric Trump remains focused on running the Trump Organization, and both Ivanka and Kushner have stated they do not plan to join the new administration.
A More Structured Approach
This transition marks a departure from the earlier reliance on family advice, as Trump’s team now includes experienced aides like Susie Wiles, who has been named chief of staff. Wiles played a critical role in running Trump’s disciplined 2024 election campaign, reducing the need for family involvement.
According to one source close to the transition, “Stuff is really buttoned down. He may not need the family this time like he used to.”
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