The Trump family member who has been the most influential in helping select President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet members has been identified.
According to Reuters, Donald Trump Jr. has become the most influential member of the Trump family during the transition period, playing a key role as his father assembles what many consider the most potentially impactful Cabinet in modern U.S. history. Sources familiar with his involvement say Trump Jr. has pushed for prioritizing loyalists, often with limited experience, over more qualified candidates for top positions in the administration. While Donald Trump has always valued loyalty and frequently seeks advice from family members, the relative who holds the most sway over his decisions tends to shift over time.
This time, it is Trump Jr. who has played a pivotal role in shaping the president-elect’s cabinet choices, according to sources including donors, personal friends, and political allies. He has influenced contenders’ fates, from advocating for Senator J.D. Vance as Trump’s running mate to reportedly blocking former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from securing a Cabinet position, Reuters noted. Trump Jr. is also set to join the conservative venture capital firm 1789 Capital. However, one source noted that he plans to continue hosting his politics-focused podcast and backing candidates aligned with Trump’s political vision.
Trump Jr. will continue to advise his father in the White House, a source said, though they noted he is unlikely to participate in day-to-day decision-making. In shaping the administration, Don Jr. focuses on candidates who not only demonstrate loyalty to his father but also share an anti-establishment perspective. This includes support for protectionist economic policies, a reduction in military interventions, and limits on overseas aid. These priorities align with comments he has made publicly and on the social media platform X, according to multiple sources familiar with his role, noted Reuters.
Donald Trump Jr. played a key role in persuading his father to choose his close friend, Senator J.D. Vance, as his running mate. While Vance was well-liked by Trump’s base, his anti-corporate rhetoric, opposition to Ukraine aid, and past controversial comments—such as referring to some Democratic women as “childless cat ladies”—raised concerns among certain donors and supporters. Ultimately, Trump was pleased with the choice, bolstering Don Jr.’s influence as an adviser during the transition, according to one source.
Not all of Don Jr.’s preferred candidates have secured positions. He reportedly lobbied for Ric Grenell, a personal friend and former ambassador to Germany, to be named secretary of state. However, his father chose Senator Marco Rubio, whose more traditional and internationalist views have been criticized by Trump’s core supporters. Sources close to Don Jr. noted that he does not weigh in on every personnel decision and is not working on the transition process or stationed at Mar-a-Lago full time. Additionally, one source stated that he is not expected to play a significant role in vetting candidates for lower-level positions. “The reality this time is we actually know what we’re doing,” Don Jr. told Fox News earlier this month. “And it’s about surrounding my father with people who are both competent and loyal.”