Donald Trump Jr. has emerged as the family’s most influential adviser to date as his father assembles one of the most controversial cabinets in modern U.S. history, according to people close to the president’s eldest son. are.
In some cases, Trump Jr. has promoted less experienced supporters to President-elect Donald Trump’s top posts over more qualified candidates.
During Trump’s first administration as the 45th president, eldest daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner served as top-level political advisers, while sons Don Jr. and Eric were appointed primarily to run the family business. .
Ivanka and her husband took a major step back from politics during Trump’s loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing tangle of civil and criminal lawsuits, but she and her husband won previous elections. Since then, its presence has increased. this month.
Sources told Reuters that Don Jr. is now the voice of his children in the father’s ear, and that the president-elect will especially rely on his son for advice on White House strategy. It is said that it has become.
But at least two of Don Jr.’s controversial options face tough challenges in Senate confirmation. Vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the Democratic-majority Kennedy political family, is the health secretary, and former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is the health secretary. She faces bipartisan concerns about Russian interests and lack of experience in the intelligence community.
sign up for The Stakes — Presidential Transition
Introducing the aftermath of the US election and the transition to President Trump
Privacy Notice: Newsletters may include information about charities, online advertising, and content sponsored by external parties. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and are subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
After newsletter promotion
The Washington Post reported on Sunday that personnel plans continued, with Stanford-trained physician and economist Jay Bhattacharya likely to be promoted to become the next director of the National Institutes of Health.
Reuters spoke to six people, including donors, political allies and friends, who confirmed Don Jr.’s influence in nominating potential appointees, including some inexperienced supporters. . Don Jr. is credited with nominating J.D. Vance as his father’s running mate, helping sink or resurface Cabinet nominees, and blocking former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from joining the Cabinet.
“The reality this time is that we actually know what we’re doing,” Don Jr. told Fox News earlier this month. “And that means surrounding my father with capable and faithful people.”
Kushner, a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump in charge of Middle East affairs, told Reuters he was briefing real estate investor Steve Witkoff about his new role as special envoy for the region.
“I am working with Mr. Witkoff to update him on Mr. Trump’s efforts to date,” Mr. Kushner said through a spokesperson.
One source close to the transition said President Trump has helped run his most disciplined campaign to date and is less likely to advise his family as much as before, thanks to aides like Susie Wiles, who will become his chief of staff. It seems there is no need to ask. .
“Things are really tense,” the source said of Trump’s current team. “This time I may not need my family as much as I did before.”
