Selected Cabinet – Don Trump Jr. grew into a family influencer

As Reuters news agency reported, citing six insiders, the 46-year-old emerged as the most influential member of the Trump family during the transition phase that runs until he takes office in January. The eldest son of the future American president actively supported the choice of preferred candidates for the most important government positions.

Future president values ​​loyalty
Above all, Don Jr. relied on loyalty: inexperienced candidates were therefore sometimes preferred over more qualified candidates for top positions in the new government. The future president works in a similar way: that’s why he has always relied on family members when it came to political advice.

But who he mainly listens to among his loved ones changes from time to time. This time it’s Don Jr. which has a major influence on the staff. He campaigned for Sen. J.D. Vance as Trump’s running mate and blocked the appointment of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the Cabinet, insiders including donors, personal friends and political allies said.

What Don Jr.’s professional plans are? concerns: he will join the conservative venture capital fund 1789 Capital. According to one of the insiders, he will also continue his political podcast and support candidates who represent his father’s political style. And he will also advise Trump in the White House. However, no involvement in day-to-day operations is expected.

Don Jr: “We know what we are doing”
Neither Don Jr. nor the team preparing Trump’s ascension to the White House responded to requests for comment. “This time we really know what we’re doing,” Don Jr. said. recently to Fox News. “It’s about surrounding my father with competent and loyal people.”

But in addition to loyalty, according to insiders, Don Jr. also attaches importance to the fact that his chosen comrades-in-arms represent a worldview that is aimed against the establishment. They would advocate protectionist economic policies as well as a more passive role for the US in military operations and foreign aid.

Kennedy and Putin understanding as shaky candidates
Two by Don Jr. However, backed candidates for key positions in the new administration could face significant resistance in their confirmation process in the Senate — even if Trump’s Republicans have the majority there. On the one hand, there is anti-vaccination activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who should become Secretary of Health.

And on the other hand, Tulsi Gabbard, who is presented as head of the Secret Service. The former Democratic congresswoman has suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have had legitimate reasons for invading Ukraine, and she sparked controversy when she met Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in 2017 during his bloody crackdown on government opponents.

Vance is good friends with Don Jr.
Don Jr. also played an important role in convincing his father to appoint his good friend Vance as vice president. Vance is popular with Trump’s base, but his rhetoric and attitude have drawn skepticism from campaign donors and supporters, such as when he called Democratic supporters “childless cat ladies.” Ultimately, Trump was happy with Vance, an insider said. Don Jr. brought additional political capital as an advisor during the transition period.

Not all of Son’s wishes came true
Not all of Don Jr.’s favorite candidates. were nominated, however. For example, he supported Richard Grenell, a personal friend and former ambassador to Germany, as foreign minister. However, his father chose Senator Marco Rubio even though he is controversial among many in Trump’s core base of supporters.

Only high positions attract Don Jr.’s interest
According to two people close to him, Don Jr. is interfering. not concerned with all personnel decisions. He also does not work full-time on the transition process or at Mar-a-Lago, his father’s luxurious home. According to one of the insiders, he will not play a major role in vetting candidates for lower positions.

Don Jr. follows in his sister’s footsteps
During Trump’s first candidacy eight years ago, it was his daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner who were particularly close to the then political career changer. That remained true through the phase from election victory to the swearing-in and then Trump’s first term. This time, however, the couple is significantly less active.

Kushner nevertheless told Reuters he was preparing real estate investor Steve Witkoff for his new role as special envoy to the Middle East. Kushner was once a key adviser to his father-in-law on the region. Those close to Kushner say it can be assumed he will remain unofficially involved in Middle East politics. Neither Kushner, Ivanka, nor her brother Eric Trump plan to join the new administration.