As Donald Trump prepares for his anticipated return to the White House on Monday, the makeup of his family unit has notably changed since he first took office eight years ago. Barron, his youngest son, was just in fifth grade back then but has since grown into a college freshman, easily eclipsing his father’s height of over 6 feet. His granddaughter, Kai, who started off as a 9-year-old in 2017, is now aiming to establish herself as both a social media influencer and a skilled golfer. Meanwhile, grandson Joseph has matured to 11 years old, recalling memories of his time on Trump’s lap as a toddler holding a Lego version of the White House.
Trump’s closest political relatives, his daughter Ivanka along with her husband Jared Kushner, are now residing in Florida and not taking active roles in the new administration after their previous involvement. Family members often serve as a vital source of emotional support for presidents, providing both companionship and sometimes unintentionally complicating their professional lives. Tevi Troy, a former advisor in the George W. Bush administration, noted the uniqueness of familial relationships in contrast to professional ones, highlighting that family members can be trusted in ways others may not be.
The president-elect has a total of five children from his marriages to Ivana Trump, Marla Maples, and his current wife, Melania Trump, along with ten grandchildren and one more on the way. Here’s a breakdown of Trump’s family dynamics then versus now:
Melania Trump
THEN: At the beginning of Trump’s presidency, Melania chose to remain at their Manhattan penthouse to allow Barron to complete his school year without disruption. After relocating to the White House, she actively promoted her “Be Best” initiative and maintained a level of privacy even while traveling with Trump.
NOW: In the lead-up to Trump’s 2024 campaign, Melania avoided extensive public campaigning, making appearances at select high-profile events like the campaign launch and election night. She released her memoir late last year, and a documentary about her life is set to debut on Amazon. While some speculate that she might spend limited time at the White House, she has mentioned that she is preparing for a move and has even curated a selection of furniture for the residence.
Donald Trump Jr.
THEN: Trump Jr., now 46, was a vocal supporter during his father’s campaigns in both 2016 and 2020.
NOW: His role has expanded significantly; he has lobbied for key appointments within the administration, such as urging his father to select JD Vance for vice president. In addition to his responsibilities running the family business and overseeing the transition team, he maintains a podcast and aims to prevent undesirable elements from entering the administration. He has also indicated a personal interest in Greenland’s resources following a trip there.
Trump Jr. has five children from his former marriage to Vanessa Trump, affectionately nicknamed “smurfs,” including 17-year-old Kai Madison and 15-year-old Donald John III.
Ivanka Trump
THEN: At 43, Ivanka actively campaigned for her father in 2016 and took on the role of senior adviser in the White House after relocating her family.
NOW: With Trump embarking on his 2024 campaign, Ivanka has distanced herself from political involvement to prioritize her family, stating her ongoing support for her father in a more personal capacity. She did join him for significant events, but her focus remains on family life, where she and Jared raise their three kids: Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore.
Eric Trump
THEN: The 40-year-old participated in campaign activities and contributed to managing the family business.
NOW: Eric has retained a close advisory role and focuses on business expansion, including launching a new cryptocurrency platform. He and his wife, Lara, are raising their two children, Eric Luke and Carolina.
Tiffany Trump
THEN: Tiffany, 23 at Trump’s inauguration and a recent college graduate, largely stayed out of the public eye.
NOW: Now 31, Tiffany is more visible within her family’s political activities but continues to maintain a preference for privacy. She and her husband, Michael Boulos, are expecting their first child soon.
Barron Trump
THEN: At the beginning of Trump’s presidency, Barron remained in New York City with his mother until the school year concluded.
NOW: Aged 18, Barron is now a business major at New York University. He has been noted for influencing his father’s campaign with recommendations of popular media among young audiences, and he will have his own suite in the White House.
Family Members in the Spotlight:
Lara Trump: At 42, she has been active in the campaign and recently served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, advocating for party initiatives while also pursuing wellness and music ventures.
Jared Kushner: Formerly a senior advisor in the White House, he has stepped back from political life but is looking to influence U.S. diplomacy through his father’s impending nomination of his father, Charles Kushner, as ambassador to France.
Kai Trump: At 17, she has evolved into a social media sensation, gaining millions of views on her posts and engaging with politics through public speaking.
Arabella Kushner: Ivanka and Jared’s 13-year-old daughter continues to enchant with her talents in music and sports, as fondly remembered by her grandfather.
