Trump was inaugurated as the 47th US president on Monday, surrounded by members of his family.
In his first administration, some of Trump’s children and their spouses had official roles – most prominently, Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner.
This term, many members of Trump’s family do not yet have formal roles; though, notably, his sons have held power behind the scenes throughout his campaign.
Here is a look at the Trump family members at his inauguration and what they could do next.
Melania Trump
Melania, the first lady, was largely absent from the campaign trail, appearing only briefly at the Republican national convention (RNC) in July. The 54-year-old calls New York, where their son Barron is at university, her home, while her husband has been based at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
In recent months, she has been more visible, promoting her memoir and launching a meme coin on the day of Trump’s inauguration. She will be the subject of an upcoming new documentary directed by Brett Ratner and distributed by Amazon Prime Video.
She appeared alongside her husband at his swearing-in ceremony.
Donald Trump Jr
Trump’s oldest son has been a significant figure behind the scenes of his father’s campaign, building a close connection to the Maga electoral base.
Don Jr, who is the executive vice-president of the Trump Organization and hosts a podcast, Triggered, is credited with helping his friend JD Vance secure the VP nomination, and some argue he could be the power behind the throne in appointing the new administration.
He has been closely involved in his father’s transition team and there is speculation he also could be given a prominent role.
Earlier this month, Don Jr flew to Greenland after his father reiterated his interest in taking control of the Arctic autonomous territory, pledging to “make Greenland great again”.
Ivanka Trump
Trump’s eldest daughter was highly visible during his first administration, even being given the official title of “first daughter and adviser to the president”. But she has been entirely absent this time; her appearance with the family on Tuesday was her first of the entire campaign.
Once described as Trump’s favorite child, Ivanka has testified that she did not believe her father’s false claim that the 2020 election was “stolen”, and in 2022 said in a statement that while she loved her father, “this time around, I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics.” She attended the swearing-in ceremony alongside her husband, Jared Kushner.
Jared Kushner
Ivanka’s husband, once a Democrat, was integral to his father-in-law’s 2016 presidential campaign and was appointed a senior adviser during Trump’s first term, helping shape the administration’s Middle East policies.
Since 2020 the real estate investor and former publisher of the New York Observer has concentrated on his $3bn investment fund, Affinity Partners. It is heavily backed by the Saudi government’s public investment fund, which has led to questions from the Senate finance committee.
Both he and Ivanka are reported to have ruled out joining the new administration but could advise on foreign affairs. Donald Trump nominated Jared’s father, Charles Kushner, to serve as US ambassador to France.
Eric Trump
Though he has generally had a lower profile than his older brother, Don Jr, Trump’s second son supported him in person during his fraud court hearings last year and was a loyal cheerleader on the campaign trail. He will continue to run the family’s business and real estate firm.
Lara Trump
Eric’s wife since 2014 and mother of their two children, the former TV producer has described having a political “awakening” when her father-in-law was first elected in 2016 and has moved increasingly into positions of influence. Trump installed Lara as co-chair of the Republican national committee, reportedly telling her: “I need someone I can trust.” She has since stepped down from the role.
There was speculation that Lara Trump would succeed Marco Rubio in the Senate, but she removed her name from consideration in December.
Tiffany Trump
Trump’s fourth child, Tiffany, whose mother is his second wife, Marla Maples, has been a loyal if lower-profile family member during his campaign. She recently announced her first pregnancy with her husband, Michael Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman. Donald Trump appointed Boulos as Middle East adviser, a position that does not require Senate confirmation.
Barron Trump
Trump’s son with Melania, after spending some of his early teenage years living at the White House, is now 18 and studying business at New York University. Though young, Barron has been credited as being an important influence on his father’s campaign by urging him to target the “bro vote” through interviews with popular podcasters.
Increased visibility has also brought a focus on his 6ft 7in height, which his father has credited to the attentions of his Slovenian maternal grandmother, Amalija Knavs. “Boy, did she take care of Barron … That’s how he got so tall – only ate her food,” he once said.
Kai Trump
The eldest of Donald Jr’s five children, Kai, 17, addressed the RNC in July, saying of her grandfather: “To me, he’s just a normal grandpa … He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking.
“When we play golf together, if I’m not on his team, he’ll try to get inside of my head, and he’s always surprised I don’t let him get to me. But I have to remind him, I’m a Trump, too.”
