Donald Trump Jr., the son of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has emerged as the most influential member of the presidential family during the transition as the former president builds the most controversial cabinet in modern U.S. history, according to six sources with knowledge of his son's role, elevating loyal and inexperienced people to the most qualified candidates for the top positions in his administration.
Trump, who rewards loyalty well, has long relied on family members for political advice, Reuters news agency reported.
This time, Donald Trump Jr. has helped elevate or sink cabinet candidates, from defending vice president JD Vance to blocking former Defense Secretary Mike Pompeo from entering the Cabinet, according to sources, which include donors, personal friends and political allies.
The sources added that Donald Trump Jr. will give advice to his father at the White House, although they warned he is unlikely to be involved in the daily discussions.
Donald Trump Jr. and the Trump - Vance transition team did not respond to a request for comment.
In addition to making sure candidates are loyal to his father, Donald Trump Jr. typically seeks to support anti-establishment views, including protectionist economic policies and reduced military interventions and aid to foreign countries, according to sources and the president-elect's son-in-law's own remarks on social media and in public.