Trump’s 2nd Term Family Drama: Lara and Don Jr. Take Center Stage, Ivanka Steps Aside

On Wednesday, Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States, sparking speculation about the roles his children might play in his return to the White House.

Analysts predict a more prominent presence for his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and his wife, contrasting with Ivanka Trump and her husband, who were key figures during Trump’s first term.

At the Republican National Convention in July, where Donald Trump officially accepted the party’s presidential nomination, the Trump family’s dominating presence on stage clearly indicated the return of family politics in Trump’s second term.

Throughout the election, there has been widespread speculation that the Trump family, having established itself as a brand in American business, would again take center stage in political power, potentially establishing a “Trump dynasty,” according to The Hill. During his first term, Trump initially lacked strong political connections as a businessman and had previously appointed family members to key government positions.

Industry insiders suggest that while Ivanka Trump and her husband were central to Trump’s family politics in his first term, the upcoming administration is likely to see Donald Trump Jr., his fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Eric Trump with his wife Lara playing more prominent roles.

Their speeches at the Republican National Convention in July drew significant attention. As Trump prepares to re-enter the White House, there’s growing anticipation that Lara Trump, his second daughter-in-law, will join him. This expectation is driven by Lara’s increasing influence and steadfast loyalty to Trump, potentially strengthening the family’s political presence.

Lara, Eric Trump’s wife and second daughter-in-law, has already demonstrated her political acumen by spearheading fundraising efforts for the Republican National Committee (RNC) as co-chair. Trump’s trust in her is evident, having entrusted her with significant financial responsibilities within the party.

As the election approached, Lara gained attention with a viral video urging people to vote while dancing. Unlike Ivanka, who distanced herself from politics after Trump’s 2020 reelection loss, Lara has consistently appeared at public events and on TV, showcasing her steadfast support for Trump. This has led many to view her as Ivanka’s successor regarding influence within the family’s political sphere.

Some analysts predict Lara will likely be deeply involved in White House decision-making processes. A former producer who worked for Fox News, Lara married Eric in 2014 and has two children.

Eric Trump, Lara’s husband and Donald Trump’s second son, is also closely involved in Trump’s appointments for the second term. Alongside his brother, Donald Trump Jr., Eric has reportedly been vetting candidates for senior administration and White House roles based on their loyalty to Trump as part of their duties as honorary campaign chairs.

This approach appears to react to former high-ranking officials from Trump’s first term, such as former National Security Advisor John Bolton, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and former Chief of Staff John Kelly, who opposed Trump’s reelection and supported his opponent. Insiders suggest that while Trump’s sons are unlikely to hold official titles in the administration initially, they will likely wield significant influence behind the scenes and play critical roles in appointments.

Trump’s election victory has highlighted his family members’ evolving roles and importance compared to his first presidential run. In 2016, his then-wife, Melania Trump, and daughter, Ivanka Trump, played crucial roles during the election process.

However, during this reelection campaign, attention has shifted to Lara Trump, Eric Trump’s wife, and Donald Trump’s second daughter-in-law.

Kate Andersen Brower, author of several books on the White House, pointed out to The Financial Times that it is highly unusual for a presidential candidate’s spouse not to speak at the convention. She suggested that Melania, who faced plagiarism accusations after her 2016 convention speech, may have felt she had more to lose than gain by speaking. Consequently, Melania’s influence may wane while her daughter-in-law and son’s influence grows.