NEW YORK — Recently, a notable gathering took place aboard the plane of the president-elect, featuring Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, entrepreneur Elon Musk, and political figure Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with Donald Trump Jr. positioned centrally among the group. This moment, widely shared via social media, is emblematic of Trump Jr.’s growing influence within the political landscape shaped by his father and the Make America Great Again movement.
As the son of a president-elect, Trump Jr. has already made significant strides in shaping the incoming administration’s direction. He fervently advocated for Ohio Senator JD Vance to be selected as the running mate, demonstrating his commitment to playing an active role in the electoral process. “I exerted 10,000% of my political capital,” he remarked during an interview with Tucker Carlson following the election, expressing that this robust effort might earn him a favor from his father down the road.
In his capacity as an honorary chair of the transition team, Trump Jr. is instrumental in selecting individuals for key positions in the upcoming administration. His influence is evident in the appointments of former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard as the director of national intelligence and RFK Jr. as a candidate for Health and Human Services. Additionally, his ally, Sergio Gor, is expected to oversee the personnel office, and both have collaborated in operating Winning Team Publishing, which has released two books authored by the former president.
Though he has indicated he does not intend to take a direct role in his father’s government like his sister Ivanka Trump did during the initial Trump administration, Trump Jr. remains a critical supporter of his father’s agenda and will likely continue this role from the sidelines. Sources familiar with his views suggest he aims to maintain a significant influence while avoiding formally entering the administration.
The style of the president-elect—marked by boldness and a combative spirit—seems to be mirrored in Trump Jr., who often takes a more confrontational stance. His calls for shaking up traditional governance and his vigorous engagement in cultural debates showcase a style that resonates with a considerable segment of the Republican base. “He’s probably the best embodiment of the take-no-crap attitude of the Republican Party,” stated Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist.
Trump Jr. communicates in a way that sets him apart from conventional political figures, something Jennings notes adds to his appeal. “They just don’t participate in the normal political pablum,” he explained, indicating a departure from the typical approach that many pre-Trump politicians adopted. The 46-year-old has embraced social media, particularly on platforms like X, where he boasts over 13 million followers, showcasing his knack for connecting with the conservative demographic.
Energetically participating in interviews and podcasts, including his own show “Triggered With Don Jr.,” he is positioned as a voice targeting young conservatives. His dynamic presence and assertiveness particularly resonate with younger audiences, many of whom find his style aligned with their own communication preferences.
While Trump Jr. has no immediate intentions of pursuing a political office, he is focused on nurturing the upcoming generation of conservatives, aligning himself with fellow communicative and savvy Republicans. Beyond the political realm, he also fulfills his duties as executive vice president at the Trump Organization, has introduced a cryptocurrency platform, and has recently joined a venture capital firm aimed at investing in conservative ventures.
Trump Jr. gained prominence alongside his father on the reality show “The Apprentice,” a platform that significantly contributed to the latter’s political career. When Donald Trump declared his candidacy for the presidency in 2015, he faced skepticism from within the party. However, Trump Jr.’s outreach proved pivotal in swaying conservatives who appreciated his alignment with their views, particularly as an enthusiastic supporter of the Second Amendment.
His visibility in the political arena has grown exponentially ever since, as he actively campaigns not just for his father but for other candidates aligned with his views. In the 2022 Ohio Senate race, he was a crucial backer of Vance and has lent support to candidates such as Jim Banks in Indiana and Bernie Moreno in Ohio. Additionally, he played a key role in fostering a relationship with Kennedy, leading to potential collaboration within the Republican party.
Kennedy’s controversial stance on vaccines may spark rigorous scrutiny during confirmation processes in the Senate, even with a Republican majority. Trump Jr. has recognized that there will be resistance to some of his father’s selections, stating, “They are going to be actual disrupters. That’s what the American people want.”