**Trump’s Family Dynamics: A Look at Changes Since His Previous White House Tenure**
WASHINGTON — As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House on Monday, the dynamics within his family circle have evolved significantly since he first took office eight years ago. At that time, his youngest son, Barron, was just in fifth grade. Now, he stands tall as a college freshman, surpassing his father’s height. Additionally, his granddaughter Kai has transformed from a 9-year-old into an aspiring social media influencer and a talented golfer, while grandson Joseph, who previously posed with a Lego model of the White House, is now 11 years old.
The notable figures who were part of Trump’s political family in the past, such as daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, are now residing in Florida after having worked during his first administration. The support provided by family members can be invaluable for a sitting president; they can offer trusted advice and companionship, although they can also present unique challenges.
“Family can do things that others may not be able to, and there’s a level of trust that is often unmatched,” noted Tevi Troy, a past official in the George W. Bush administration. “Everyone needs someone for those late-night talks, as it were.”
Donald Trump is the father of five children, three of whom are married, stemming from his marriages to Ivana Trump, Marla Maples, and his current wife, Melania Trump. His family includes ten grandchildren, with an additional grandchild expected soon.
**A Glimpse at Trump’s Family**
**Melania Trump**
**THEN:** At the beginning of Trump’s first term, Melania opted to stay in New York for several months so that Barron could complete his school year without switching schools. Once they moved to the White House, she actively promoted her “Be Best” children’s initiative while maintaining her desire for privacy.
**NOW:** During Trump’s 2024 campaign, Melania took a backseat with her public engagements, appearing only at significant events. She published a memoir late last year and will be featured in an upcoming documentary on Amazon Prime Video. While speculation exists about her presence in the White House, she stated on Fox News that she is ready for the move and has selected furniture for their new home.
**Donald Trump Jr.**
**THEN:** Trump Jr., now 46, was active in campaigning for his father in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
**NOW:** His influence has expanded significantly; he played a role in persuading his father to choose JD Vance for vice president and advocated for other appointments in the prospective cabinet. Trump Jr. is involved in the family business and serves as honorary chairman of Trump’s transition team. He has also launched a podcast aimed at keeping “bad actors” out of the administration and recently traveled on his father’s plane to Greenland.
Trump Jr. has five children with his former wife Vanessa: Kai Madison, 17; Donald John III, 15; Tristan Milos, 13; Spencer Frederick, 12; and Chloe Sophia, 10.
**Ivanka Trump**
**THEN:** At 43 years old, Ivanka campaigned for her father and became a senior adviser in the White House, relocating with her family from New York City.
**NOW:** As Trump approaches his 2024 campaign, Ivanka publicly affirmed her support but stated her intention to step back from politics to focus on her family. She was present during key events, including election night and the New York Stock Exchange ringing in December. Ivanka expressed a desire to support her father in a more personal capacity.
Together with her husband, Ivanka has three children: Arabella Rose, 13; Joseph Frederick, 11; and Theodore James Kushner, 8.
**Eric Trump**
**THEN:** The 40-year-old actively participated in his father’s business and campaign efforts.
**NOW:** Eric continues to advise his father while focusing on the family business. He and his brother launched a crypto platform called World Liberty Financial and have received their father’s endorsement in their ventures.
Eric and his wife, Lara, are parents to two children: Eric Luke, 7, and Carolina Dorothy Trump, 5.
**Tiffany Trump**
**THEN:** The daughter from Trump’s marriage to Marla Maples was 23 and a recent university graduate when he assumed office.
**NOW:** Now 31, Tiffany played a slightly more visible role in the recent campaign but has largely remained out of the public eye. She and her husband, Michael Boulos, are expecting their first child this year. Michael’s connections have proven beneficial, as his father is known for fostering relationships within the Arab American community.
**Barron Trump**
**THEN:** Barron lived in Trump Tower with his mother while finishing school before relocating to Washington.
**NOW:** Now 18, Barron is enrolled at New York University, where he is studying business. Seen as an influential figure during the campaign, Barron has been credited for introducing his father to influential figures favored by younger generations. Melania has voiced pride in her son for his political insights.
**Other Family Influences**
**Lara Trump**
**THEN:** Lara, now 42, played a significant role in Trump’s campaigns and even considered a run for a Senate seat.
**NOW:** As the Trump campaign ramps up, she has taken on a leadership role within the Republican National Committee, contributing to fundraising and voter outreach. Lara is also an entrepreneur with her own activewear line and has explored a musical career.
**Jared Kushner**
**THEN:** Serving as a senior adviser, Kushner was integral to Trump’s 2016 campaign and later focused on policy matters in the White House.
**NOW:** Post-administration, he has taken a step back from politics, although his father recently expressed intentions to nominate Jared’s father, Charles Kushner, for a diplomatic position.
**Grandchildren Updates**
**Kai Trump**
**THEN:** Kai was still in elementary school during her grandfather’s presidency.
**NOW:** Now 17, she is amassing a following as a social media influencer, with her content resonating widely among young audiences. Kai has embraced public speaking and enjoys golfing with her grandfather.
**Arabella Kushner**
**THEN:** Aged 6, she charmed the audience at a state visit by performing Chinese songs for Xi Jinping.
**NOW:** Arabella is 13, engaging in various activities including singing and horseback riding.
