As President-elect Donald Trump assembles what is shaping up to be the most controversial presidential cabinet in modern U.S. history, sources close to the transition reveal that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has emerged as a key voice influencing the selection process.
The Younger Trump’s Growing Clout
Insiders paint a picture of the 45th president increasingly relying on his namesake for guidance on White House strategy and personnel choices. In some cases, Trump Jr. has reportedly championed the appointment of steadfast loyalists over more conventionally qualified candidates.
“Don Jr. is absolutely playing a significant role in shaping the next administration,” a source with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. “The president-elect has come to trust his son’s instincts and advice above many others.”
This marks a notable shift from Trump’s first term, when daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner served as his closest political confidants while Trump Jr. and brother Eric focused on running the family business empire. In the aftermath of Trump’s 2020 election defeat and subsequent legal troubles, Ivanka and Jared took a step back from politics, only reemerging after his recent election victory.
Controversial Cabinet Contenders
But Trump Jr’s ascendance has raised eyebrows due to some of his more unorthodox cabinet preferences. Sources say he was instrumental in the selection of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.
“The reality this time is we actually know what we’re doing. And it’s about surrounding my father with people who are both competent and loyal.”
– Donald Trump Jr., speaking to Fox News
Both Kennedy, known for promoting debunked conspiracy theories, and Gabbard, who faces bipartisan concerns over her Russian ties and intelligence experience, are expected to encounter stiff resistance in their Senate confirmation hearings. Trump Jr. also reportedly helped elevate allies like JD Vance to key posts while sidelining establishment figures such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
A Tighter Ship?
Despite the controversy, some in Trump’s orbit argue that Trump Jr’s involvement, along with seasoned operatives like recently-named Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, has brought a new level of discipline and cohesion to the often-chaotic Trump operation.
“Stuff is really buttoned down this time,” claims one transition insider. “The president may not need to lean on family input as much thanks to the experienced team he’s assembled.”
Still, with an already-contentious cabinet taking shape and a narrowly divided Senate poised to scrutinize every nominee, it remains to be seen whether Trump Jr’s rising influence will help or hinder his father’s second term agenda. As the confirmation battles loom, all eyes will be on the high-stakes chess match between the White House and Capitol Hill.
The Next Chapter
For Donald Trump Jr., carving out this powerful new role represents the latest evolution in a political journey that has taken him from campaign surrogate to GOP kingmaker. Once content to stay in the shadows of the family business, he now stands at the center of his father’s inner circle, helping to chart the course of the Trump legacy.
The question remains: Will Trump Jr’s gamble on unconventional, uncompromising personnel pay off? Or will his controversial picks become a drag on an administration already facing intense scrutiny? As the Trump clan embarks on this next chapter, all of America – and the world – will be watching to see how the chips fall.
