The Guardian reports that Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the future US president, is playing an important role in the composition of his father’s new cabinet. Trump is said to rely mainly on Don Jr. for political advice.

Less than three weeks after his election victory, Donald Trump has assembled his entire cabinet. With candidates including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., oil executive Chris Wright and Fox News host Pete Hegseth, the future president’s choices are controversial, to say the least.

Some of those names were reportedly suggested to him by Donald Trump Jr. His eldest son, also known as Don Jr., is said to have emerged as the family’s most influential adviser. In several cases, he chose inexperienced loyalists rather than more qualified candidates for top positions in the new administration.

During Trump’s previous term, his daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were two of his key political advisers. Meanwhile, his sons, Don Jr. and Eric, were responsible for running the family business. Ivanka and her husband returned from politics after Trump’s 2020 loss and the ensuing lawsuits. According to Reuters sources, Don Jr. has now taken over that role. Trump is said to rely primarily on his son’s advice for his strategy in the White House.

The nominees still need to be approved by the Senate. For some, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services or Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, that could be a tough challenge.

‘Both competent and loyal’
Reuters spoke to several sources who confirmed Don Jr.’s role. He suggested several names for certain positions, including inexperienced but loyal supporters. He also reportedly picked JD Vance as vice president and ensured that former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was not part of the cabinet this time.

“The reality is, this time, we know what we’re doing,” Don Jr. said earlier this month on Fox News. “And it’s about surrounding my father with people who are both competent and loyal.”

Another source said Trump may look less to family members for advice thanks to people like Susie Wiles, who headed his campaign and will also be his new chief of staff. “He may not need his family as much as he did last time.”