As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second administration, notable absences in his senior staff and Cabinet will be his children: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Their role in his first term has diminished as they have taken a step back from politics to focus on family and personal interests. While Kushner still offers advice behind the scenes, neither he nor Ivanka are expected to take on formal roles in the White House due to the toll their previous positions took on their family life.
Instead, Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric, have taken on more active roles in the political operation. Donald Trump Jr. has been lobbying for candidates and speaking out on his podcast, while Eric Trump remains in charge of the family business holdings. Trump’s youngest son, Barron, has also been involved in the campaign strategy.
The absence of family members in senior roles reflects a change in dynamics, with the wider Republican Party fully in sync with Trump. The family has gained confidence in the leadership surrounding Trump, leading to a decreased need for them to serve as advisers and gatekeepers.
While Kushner continues to offer advice and Ivanka remains focused on family and personal pursuits, Donald Trump Jr. will continue to support his father’s agenda from the outside and focus on his private ventures. The family’s influence on Trump’s second administration will be more indirect, with distant in-laws potentially taking on senior advisory roles.
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