Donald Trump Jr. has become the key figure in the Trump family’s involvement during the transition as the president-elect assembles what could be the most controversial cabinet in recent U.S. history, according to several insiders. He has been favoring loyalists with less experience over more qualified candidates for significant roles in the administration.

Known for valuing loyalty, Trump has historically depended on family members for political insights, but the extent of influence varies among them.

This time, it’s Don Jr. who is reportedly influencing cabinet selections, playing a role in promoting individuals like Senator JD Vance as a potential running mate, while also advising against former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s cabinet entry, based on accounts from supporters, donors, and friends.

Although Don Jr. is set to join the conservative venture capital firm 1789 Capital, sources indicate he will maintain his political podcast and support candidates reflecting Trump’s political values.

He is expected to offer guidance to his father in the White House, but it’s suggested that he will not be maintaining a daily presence in discussions or decision-making.

Requests for comments from Don Jr. and the Trump-Vance transition team went unanswered.

Besides ensuring loyalty from candidates, Don Jr. also prefers those with an anti-establishment approach, such as protectionist economic stances and a reduction in military engagements and foreign aid, according to multiple sources and posts shared by Don Jr. on social media platforms.

However, two individuals Don Jr. has supported may encounter challenges during the Senate confirmation: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for the leading health position, and Tulsi Gabbard, proposed as the chief of intelligence.

Kennedy is an environmental activist known for spreading false information about vaccines, while Gabbard, a former congresswoman, has made controversial remarks regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s justification for invading Ukraine and faced backlash for meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad amid his violent suppression of dissent in 2017.

Influential – to a point

Don Jr. played a significant role in persuading his father to select his close friend Vance as Trump’s vice-presidential choice.

While Vance appeals to Trump’s supporters, his strong anti-corporate stance, resistance to aiding Ukraine, and past derogatory remarks about certain Democratic women raised concerns among some donors and allies.

Ultimately, Trump was satisfied with Vance’s selection, boosting Don Jr.’s standing as a transition advisor, as noted by one source.

Despite his efforts, not all of Don Jr.’s suggestions received approval.

He advocated for Ric Grenell, a friend and former German ambassador, to become secretary of state, but his father chose Senator Marco Rubio instead, whose views are perceived by Trump’s base as overly conventional and internationalist.

Sources close to Don Jr. suggest he is not involved in every staffing decision and does not dedicate all his time to transition activities or stay at Mar-a-Lago. He is also seen as unlikely to play a significant role in evaluating candidates for lower-tier positions, according to one insider.

“This time, we actually know what we’re doing,” Don Jr. remarked to Fox News recently. “It’s about surrounding my father with people who are both competent and loyal.”

Following in his sister’s footsteps

Previously, Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner played crucial roles in his 2016 campaign, the following transition, and throughout his first term.

Now, they are less engaged, although Kushner, who previously served as Trump’s senior advisor on Middle Eastern affairs, has stated he is briefing real estate investor Steve Witkoff regarding his new position in the region.

“I am working with Witkoff to inform him about Trump’s previous initiatives,” Kushner shared through a spokesperson.

Multiple sources close to Kushner indicate he may assist in Middle Eastern policy informally, particularly aiming to further relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia as part of the expanded 2020 Abraham Accords, which Kushner helped negotiate.

According to their representatives, Kushner, Ivanka, and Eric Trump – who oversees the Trump Organization – do not intend to take on roles in the new administration.

One source familiar with the transition noted that Trump seems less dependent on family for guidance than in past years, thanks to team members like Susie Wiles, who has been instrumental in managing one of the most organized campaign efforts of Trump’s career.

Wiles has been appointed as Trump’s chief of staff, a significant role within Washington.

“Things are very structured now,” the source stated regarding Trump’s team. “He may not need family support as much as before.”