NEW YORK – Donald Trump Jr. has emerged as a key figure in advising his father, President-elect Donald Trump, during the transition, playing an influential role in assembling what could become one of the most controversial Cabinets in modern U.S. history.
Trump Jr., known for his loyalty and anti-establishment views, is reportedly elevating candidates who align with his father’s political ideology over those with conventional qualifications. Among his notable moves, he backed Senator J.D. Vance as a vice-presidential pick and advocated for controversial nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary and Tulsi Gabbard as intelligence chief.
The elder Trump values loyalty in his appointments, and Trump Jr. has leveraged his influence to ensure this principle guides Cabinet selections. A source close to the family revealed that while Don Jr. won’t be involved in day-to-day operations, his role as an advisor has been significant during this transition period.
Trump Jr. emphasized that the administration’s goal is to combine loyalty with competence. Speaking to Fox News, he said, “This time, we actually know what we’re doing. It’s about surrounding my father with people who are both competent and loyal.”
Not all of Trump Jr.’s suggestions have succeeded. For example, his push for Ric Grenell as Secretary of State was overridden by the selection of Senator Marco Rubio.
Unlike his prominent role, other Trump family members like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have taken a backseat in this transition. Ivanka and Kushner, key players in the first Trump administration, are focusing on personal projects, with Kushner still informally advising on Middle East policy.
President-elect Trump has also strengthened his core team by appointing trusted aides like Susie Wiles as his chief of staff. With a more experienced advisory circle this time, insiders believe Trump is less reliant on family members for counsel.