Trump’s forthcoming second term is poised to be heavily influenced by his extended family, marking a switch from the previous administration, which relied more on immediate family members.
In a strategic maneuver, the president-elect has assigned ambassadorships to the fathers-in-law of two of his daughters and appointed his son’s former girlfriend to another diplomatic post. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are expected to continue advocating publicly for their father, while Lara Trump has the president-elect’s endorsement to advance her political career.
In a departure from his earlier approach, Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, will not assume official roles in the new administration. This decision has prompted discussions among political analysts regarding the potential implications of maintaining close familial ties within the government.
Trump’s ambassadorships highlight loyalty over experience as family members step into roles
According to Peter Loge, a professor of political science at George Washington University, “The family members he’s appointing demonstrate deep loyalty, which aligns with Trump’s style of leadership. However, I have reservations about whether this method is the most effective for governing a country.”
Despite the absence of Ivanka and Jared in formal capacities, many of Trump’s extended family members are expected to occupy influential positions within the administration.
For example, Charles Kushner, Ivanka’s father-in-law, has been designated as the U.S. ambassador to France, while Massad Boulos, Tiffany’s father-in-law, will serve as a senior adviser focusing on Middle Eastern affairs. Kimberly Guilfoyle, who recently parted ways with Donald Trump Jr., has also been appointed ambassador to Greece.
A Republican lobbyist remarked, “It’s expected that personal relationships and loyalty are in Trump’s decision-making, whether it concerns Kushner or Guilfoyle. The key takeaway is that Trump prefers to surround himself with those who are loyal to him.” A former campaign official reiterated that loyalty has always been paramount for Trump, suggesting that familial connections align with his trust criteria.
Melania Trump’s role as first lady is likely to change as well, particularly following her limited presence during the 2024 campaign, where she made few public appearances.
Their son, Barron Trump, will be studying at New York University instead of residing at the White House. Unlike his mother, Barron drew attention during the 2024 campaign by engaging with younger voters through popular podcasts, promoting his father’s message.
GOP strategist Brian Seitchik commented that it is anticipated that family involvement will be outstanding in the next administration, given Trump’s history of keeping relatives close in his inner circle. “Throughout his career, both in business and politics, Trump has leaned on family for guidance, so this pattern is unlikely to change,” he noted.
Another Republican strategist emphasized that appointing family members does not imply a lack of qualified individuals. “Much of the criticism surrounding Trump’s appointments is more about his unique situation,” the strategist stated. However, Loge cautioned that while some family members may have the requisite experience, “the appearance of impropriety is also a concern.”
Trump’s decisions to include family in his political endeavors have drawn accusations of nepotism throughout his first term. “When you appoint family members to remarkable roles, regardless of their qualifications, the public will question whether they earned their positions based on merit or their relationship to the president,” Loge pointed out, highlighting the impact on public trust in governmental institutions.
While appointing family members is not unprecedented—John F. Kennedy, for instance, appointed his brother Robert as attorney general and his brother-in-law R. Sargent Shriver to direct the Peace Corps—these actions have led to anti-nepotism legislation.
“Nepotism has always been part of American politics,” Loge remarked, noting that many politicians have family members with similar backgrounds. However, he observed that with Trump’s second term, “there seems to be a lack of constraints.”
At the outset of his administration, President Biden promised, alongside first lady Jill Biden, to exclude family members from governmental roles. Nonetheless, the first lady has been involved in critical decision-making, especially during the period when the president hesitated to exit the 2024 race before ultimately announcing his candidacy.
Trump’s reliance on family ties in politics may raise ethical concerns in the new administration
Additionally, Hunter Biden, the president’s son, has faced scrutiny regarding legal issues during the administration, and Biden recently pardoned him following a family weekend in Nantucket, a move that could shape his presidency.
Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf expressed concern about the unprecedented level of family involvement in policy-making, stating, “Typically, families do not influence major policy decisions or appointments. We haven’t encountered anything like this in the past 50 to 60 years.”
Eric and Donald Trump Jr. are expected to take on prominent roles in promoting their father’s achievements, particularly through media channels like Fox News and social media platforms.
Ivanka Trump, who served as executive vice president of the Trump Organization and held a senior advisory position during her father’s first term, has distanced herself from politics, opting not to participate in the 2024 campaign.
Recently, Ivanka and Tiffany Trump were present in New York to support their father during his recognition as Time’s “Person of the Year” and were also seen on election night. While Jared Kushner is still regarded as advisor for Trump regarding Middle Eastern affairs, he is not anticipated to assume an official position within the new administration.
Loge remarked on the inherent difficulties of working in the White House, recalling the chaotic nature of Trump’s previous administration. “It’s quite possible that those who served in the past may choose to take a step back this time around,” he concluded.
