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Inside Team Trump: How all the president’s men (and women) worked to propel The Donald to his extraordinary landslide victory… and the roles they will take in his new administration

After a landslide victory in the 2024 election, Donald Trump’s family and closest allies joined him on stage for his victory speech. 

These are the people – along with some other household names who have rallied to his side during the campaign for presidency – who will take major roles in his administration for the next four years.

Donald Trump is pictured on stage with members of Team Trump after his landslide election victory

Donald Trump is pictured on stage with members of Team Trump after his landslide election victory

Tiffany Trump, 31, is Trump’s youngest daughter. She was born during Trump’s brief marriage to socialite Marla Maples in the 1990s and is named after the iconic 5th Avenue jewelry store, a favorite haunt of her father. 

She has not been heavily involved in her father’s political efforts, but did speak at the Republican National Convention in 2016, 2020 and 2024. 

She shied away from much of the campaign trail, possibly because she is expecting her first child with husband Michael Boulos, but did make an appearance at a rally in October. She was seen taking selfies with MAGA fans.

The 31-year-old also appeared in Manhattan court earlier this year to support her father during his ‘hush money’ trial that saw him convicted of 34 charges of falsifying business records.

Tiffany Trump is pictured on election night with her husband Michael Boulos

Tiffany Trump is pictured on election night with her husband Michael Boulos

Tiffany Trump (c) attended closing arguments in her father Donald Trump's hush money trial in May this year

Tiffany Trump (c) attended closing arguments in her father Donald Trump’s hush money trial in May this year

Tiffany has had many careers, an aspiring singer following the release of her single Like a Bird in 2011 and Vogue intern in 2015. 

She did not join her father at the White House like her sister Ivanka did, and was at school during the period when Eric and Don Jr. were helming the Trump Organization along with exec Allen Weisselberg. 

Tiffany completed law school at the Georgetown University Law Center in 2020. According to her social media profiles, her legal work is focused on criminal justice reform and cyber national security. 

2. MICHAEL BOULOS

Tiffany Trump married Michael Boulos, 27, at her father’s Mar-a-Lago estate in November 2022.

Michael was born in Lebanon and is the heir to Boulos Enterprises, a Nigerian distribution and assembly company for vehicles including motorcycles and power bikes, run by his father. 

The couple started dating in 2018. They met when Tiffany was on vacation in the Greek Isles with actress Lindsay Lohan. He proposed in the White House Rose Garden with a 13-carat emerald-cut diamond ring worth $1.2million.

His father, Massad Boulos, was charged with getting the Trump message across to Arab Americans during the campaign, especially in the swing state of Michigan. 

Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulous in Italy in July 2023

Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulous in Italy in July 2023

Massad Boulos, left, his wife Sara, pictured with Donald and Melania Trump as well as Tiffany and her husband Michael Boulos at the White House in 2019

Massad Boulos, left, his wife Sara, pictured with Donald and Melania Trump as well as Tiffany and her husband Michael Boulos at the White House in 2019

He took on the challenge of trying to convince a politically influential community angry at the Democratic Party over a perceived pro-Israel bias. 

A supporter of Trump from afar since his first campaign, Massad became more directly involved after meeting Trump at a White House Christmas party in 2019. At the time, Michael was dating Tiffany.

He has given no recent donations, according to campaign finance records. But during a trip to Michigan in July, he attended what he described as a ‘private fundraising event’ with US House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and about 50 Arab Americans.

Massad also attended a MAGA rally in Detroit, Michigan last month where he received a shout-out from Trump, who at the same time revealed that Tiffany and Michael were expecting a baby. 

3. KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE

Former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle has been dating the president-elect’s eldest son, Don Jr, since 2018, following his divorce from first wife Vanessa. The couple got engaged on December 31, 2020 but it wasn’t made public until January 2022.

The glamorous brunette, who’s the ex-wife of California Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, had since become a prominent member of Trump’s close circle and campaign, and has often been seen at her beau’s side at GOP and campaign events.

Kimberly, 55, is a prolific lawyer who received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1994. She paid her way through law school by holding up three jobs: an intern at a district attorney’s office, a clothing store, and as a lingerie and fashion model in the San Francisco and Sacramento area.

While working as a prosecutor in San Francisco, Kimberly butted heads with Kamala Harris who was working as a former Alameda County prosecutor who supervised the office’s Career Criminal Unit.

Former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle (pictured at a Trump rally last month) made several appearances on the 2024 campaign trail and spoke at the RNC in July

Former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle (pictured at a Trump rally last month) made several appearances on the 2024 campaign trail and spoke at the RNC in July

Don Jr. began a relationship with Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2018, shortly after he announced he and his now-ex wife announced their separation. The couple, pictured together in 2021, are now engaged

Don Jr. began a relationship with Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2018, shortly after he announced he and his now-ex wife announced their separation. The couple, pictured together in 2021, are now engaged

Kimberly broke into the world of broadcast media in 2004 when she worked as a legal analyst on Anderson Cooper 360. She began working at Fox News in February 2006, but abruptly left the network in July 2018 after a year-long investigation of sexual harassment which left her with the option of termination or resignation. Fox News agreed to an out-of-court settlement against Kimberly’s accuser – who was an assistant – that was at least $4million.

After leaving Fox, Kimberly went to work for the pro-Trump America First super PAC. She had previously been considered for the position of press secretary during Trump’s first White House term.

She was an adviser to Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign and gave a two-minute speech at the Stop the Steal rally that preceded the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.

Kimberly made several appearances on the 2024 campaign trail, often referencing her long-running grudge with Harris, and spoke at the Republican National Convention in July.

4. DONALD TRUMP JR

Donald Trump Jr is the eldest child and has had a tumultuous relationship with his father. When Trump left his first wife Ivana Trump after having an affair with Marla Maples, it was widely reported that he and Don Jr. did not speak for years. 

At some point in the mid-2000s, Don Jr. reappeared at his father’s side during the filming of The Apprentice. 

Between 2003 and 2018, Don Jr. was married to former model Vanessa Kay Haydon. Together the couple had five children together, Kai, 17, Donald III, 15, Tristan, 13, Spencer, 11, and Chloe, 10. 

During his father’s presidential campaigns in 2020 and 2024, Don Jr. took on a much more prominent role than in 2016. His podcast Triggered has also become an influential MAGA platform.

Donald Trump Jr, pictured at a campaign rally on Monday, took on a prominent role during his father's 2024 campaign

Donald Trump Jr, pictured at a campaign rally on Monday, took on a prominent role during his father’s 2024 campaign

Don Jr pictured with his ex-wife, Vanessa, and their five children in 2017, a year before the couple split

Don Jr pictured with his ex-wife, Vanessa, and their five children in 2017, a year before the couple split 

Don Jr. was brought on to Trump’s third presidential campaign effort in April 2021 following the loss to Joe Biden and has helped Trump stay ‘aligned with his core voters’,  a former aide previously told CNN.

Don Jr. was influential in picking JD Vance as his father’s vice president and, according to Vance, has a ‘strong natural connection’ with the Republican base. 

Trump’s transition to the White House is being led primarily by friends and family, including his adult sons, Don Jr. and Eric Trump. It is not unlikely that Don Jr. will be offered a formal role within Trump’s new administration.

5. KAI TRUMP

Kai Trump, 17, is the eldest Trump granddaughter and became somewhat of a MAGA sweetheart after wowing the 2024 Republican National Convention crowd with a speech in which she spoke lovingly about her ‘grandpa’ before introducing her father, Donald Trump Jr. 

‘A lot of people have put my grandpa through hell and he’s still standing. Grandpa, you are such an inspiration and I love you,’ she said before sticking to the family line of attacking the media for their portrayal of Trump.  

Following her appearance on the election party stage early Wednesday morning, Kai took to social media to post a doting photo of her and her grandfather

Following her appearance on the election party stage early Wednesday morning, Kai took to social media to post a doting photo of her and her grandfather

Kai Trump, 17, went viral on social media after her speech at the RNC in July 2024

Kai Trump, 17, went viral on social media after her speech at the RNC in July 2024

Kai Trump, like her grandfather, a passionate golfer, is shown here with Tiger Woods

Kai Trump, like her grandfather, a passionate golfer, is shown here with Tiger Woods 

Kai has since surfaced as a social media sensation, largely due to the quality of her golf game. She recently committed to playing at the University of Miami.

A few weeks ago, she shared six pictures and a video that captured some of her junior year highlights at the elite Benjamin School in North Palm Beach.

In them, she showed off her brand-new Cybertruck, a car that commonly commands six figures made by Elon Musk, who was also mentioned in Trump’s victory speech.

Following her appearance on the election party stage early Wednesday morning, Kai took to social media to post a doting photo of her and her grandfather.

‘No one works harder or cares more about the American people. Congratulations Grandpa, I love you!’ she wrote alongside it, after Trump earned big wins in both Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

6. DONALD TRUMP III

Donald Trump III, 15, is Don Jr. and Vanessa Haydon’s oldest son.

Don III got started in the family business younger than anyone, appearing in several episodes of The Apprentice as a baby, according to his IMDb page. 

He does not often attend political events and has not spoken publicly before. 

Donald Trump III, 15, is pictured next to his sister Kai during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center

Donald Trump III, 15, is pictured next to his sister Kai during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center

Donald poses with poses for a photograph with Don Jr's five children on Easter 2021

Donald poses with poses for a photograph with Don Jr’s five children on Easter 2021

7. CHRIS LACIVITA

Chris LaCivita, 58, was the co-manager of Trump’s 2024 campaign, alongside Susie Wiles.

A former Marine wounded in the 1991 Gulf War, Chris was a veteran of Republican campaigns at the federal and state levels.

He first emerged as a Trump critic in 2021 after the January 6 attack when he shared a series of tweets condemning the president-elect and his ‘lies’.

Chris was questioned about the tweets last month and, in a statement to CNN, said: ‘Retweets and likes are not endorsements. I’m focused on winning the election two weeks from now, and not distractions from CNN.’

Trump mentioned Chris and Susie several times in his election victory speech where he detailed his ‘tremendous appreciation’ for the pair and the ‘job you did’.

Chris LaCivita, 58, was the co-manager of Trump's 2024 campaign, alongside Susie Wiles. He is pictured during Trump's victory speech

Chris LaCivita, 58, was the co-manager of Trump’s 2024 campaign, alongside Susie Wiles. He is pictured during Trump’s victory speech

The president-elect called Chris on stage, noting how ‘Susie likes to stay in the background’, to address the crowd.

Chris said: ‘This was unexpected, but I just want to thank, obviously, President Trump for this journey. It was a great one, and he’s a hell of a candidate, and he’s going to be a hell of a great 47th president. And this team that we had, the best team, and of course, even my boss, Susie Wiles, was the best. Thank you.’ 

His appearance on stage follows a Daily Beast report last week claiming that Trump was ‘fuming’ over allegations that Chris had received nearly $22million from his work on the Trump campaign, including money from Super PACS.

8. DANA WHITE

Dana White, 55, is the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a major mixed martial arts promotion company, and a long time friend and ally of Trump.

MAGA fans have called on the UFC boss to become the new combative White House press secretary after he basically commandeered the microphone during Trump’s victory speech and delivered a high-energy speech of his own. 

‘This is what happens when the machine comes after you, what you’ve seen over the last several years, this is what it looks like,’ Dana said, in reference to the hostile coverage Trump’s campaign has received from the mainstream media and Democrats. 

He also took the opportunity to call out several YouTubers and podcast stars. 

Dana White, 55, is the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a major mixed martial arts promotion company, and a long time friend and ally of Trump

Dana White, 55, is the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a major mixed martial arts promotion company, and a long time friend and ally of Trump

‘I want to thank some people real quick. I want to thank the Nelk Boys, Adin Ross, Theo Von, Bussin’ With The Boys, and last but not least, the mighty and powerful Joe Rogan.’ 

Dana attended the president-elect’s private election night watch party at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday night.

Trump also mentioned him at a campaign event in Pennslyvania earlier this week, suggesting he should set up a fighting league for migrants.

‘Those Penn State guys, I wanted them to wrestle the migrants. I told – you know the UFC, Dana White? They killed me on this. I told Dana to set up your league of champions … and a migrant league. At the end, I want the migrant to go against the champion. And I think migrant might actually win,’ Trump told the rally. ‘That’s how nasty some of these guys are.’

While Trump invited the UFC boss to the stage to speak after his election victory, many criticized the way he went about addressing the crowd. 

Some slated Dana’s speech as inappropriate for such a historic moment, but others said the fight mogul worth $500milllion would be perfect in a senior role in the new Trump administration. 

9. ERIC TRUMP

Eric Trump, like his older brother Don Jr, has taken on a much bigger role in promoting the MAGA agenda in recent years.

Eric, 40, was a frequent appearance at rallies during the 2024 campaign trail and has strong ties within the GOP.

Eric and Lara Trump are pictured at Trump's election night party at Mar-a-Lago

Eric and Lara Trump are pictured at Trump’s election night party at Mar-a-Lago

Eric Trump records video of supporters during a campaign rally at Van Andel Arena on November 5, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Eric Trump records video of supporters during a campaign rally at Van Andel Arena on November 5, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan

His reach within the party has become such that his wife, aspiring singer Lara Trump, was promoted to a top position in the Republican National Committee earlier this year. 

The couple – who share two children – are known for their regular appearances on Fox News where they act as surrogates for Trump. 

Eric, who delivered a speech at the 2024 RNC, hinted at political aspirations, telling right wing broadcaster Benny Johnson that he would love to be back at the 2032 convention with Vivek Ramaswamy as his running mate. 

It’s believed that it was his and Don Jr.’s friendship with JD Vance which propelled the former ‘Never Trumper’ to their father’s running mate. 

Eric is the VP of the Trump Organization, but currently banned from serving as a director or officer of any New York Companies. It is suspected that he may assume a role in Trump’s government.

He is also expected to play a key role in Trump’s transition to the White House.

10. LARA TRUMP 

Lara Trump, formerly Lara Yunaska, has been a big part of Trump’s bid for a second term, with the mother-of-two being appointed co-chair of the Republican party in March.

The former TV producer, 42, has risen among the ranks of the Trump family to emerge one of her father-in-law’s most trusted advisers in 2023.

The president-elect reportedly hand-picked for her new role in the Republican party, and Lara was the first member of the family to officially speak in support of Trump – following an attempt on his life in July – at the Republican National Convention.

Since assuming a role within the GOP, Lara led a steep increase in fundraising for the Trump campaign. She also appeared alongside her father-in-law at various campaign rallies.

Lara Trump has been a big part of Trump's bid for a second term, with the mother-of-two being appointed co-chair of the Republican party in March

Lara Trump has been a big part of Trump’s bid for a second term, with the mother-of-two being appointed co-chair of the Republican party in March

Eric and Lara Trump have been married since 2014, they have become a MAGA power couple during the 2024 election cycle. The couple (pictured together in May 2021) share two children

Donald Trump's youngest grandchild Carolina, 4, sat on his lap during her father Eric's speech at the Republican Convention while her brother Luke, 6, sat on mom Lara's lap for the remarks

Donald Trump’s youngest grandchild Carolina, 4, sat on his lap during her father Eric’s speech at the Republican Convention while her brother Luke, 6, sat on mom Lara’s lap for the remarks

MAGA supporters say she is breathing new life into the party, and say her charisma and dogged work ethic make her an ideal choice to serve as its champion.

Lara and Eric Trump got engaged in July 2013 and married in November 2014 in Mar-a-Lago. Their first child, Eric ‘Luke’, was born in September 2017, followed by daughter, Carolina, in August 2019. 

Carolina also became something of a show stealer at the 2024 RNC. She clapped as she sat on Trump’s lap while her older brother joined in on cheering on their dad as he sat on Lara’s lap.

11. MELANIA TRUMP

As Trump took to the stage in Florida’s Palm Beach Convention Center to declare victory in the US elections, Melania Trump was the model wife.

The 54-year-old graced the stage hand-in-hand with the president-elect, 78, before he praised his ‘beautiful wife’ for her dedication and for ‘working very hard to help people’ in his victory speech.

Melania is expected to be by Trump’s side in the White House, after four years of avoiding the spotlight and her husband’s numerous scandals. 

Model and businesswoman Melania largely stayed off of the campaign trail for this turbulent election, though did appear at the Republican National Convention in July before introducing her husband at a Madison Square Garden event last month.

Melania has been living in an apartment in Trump Tower, New York City, with son Barron, 18, as he undertakes his studies at New York University – and sources have suggested she will continue living there and, on occasion, at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

Melania Trump is expected to be by Trump's side in the White House, after four years of avoiding the spotlight and her husband's numerous scandals

Melania Trump is expected to be by Trump’s side in the White House, after four years of avoiding the spotlight and her husband’s numerous scandals

Former US First Lady Melania Trump held hands with her husband as he declared victory

Former US First Lady Melania Trump held hands with her husband as he declared victory

She reportedly hated living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – and once infamously compared the presidential palace to a Venezuelan military prison.

After leaving the White House under the shadow of backing her husband’s unproven allegations of electoral fraud, she has largely remained hidden away. She did not, for instance, accompany her husband to court as he stood trial for – and was convicted of – falsifying business records over hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels after she claimed to have had an affair with Trump.

Nor was she there to take his hand at court in Miami as he pleaded not guilty to allegations of handling classified documents, or in Georgia where he was charged with crimes linked to efforts to overturn the 2020 election result.

She stayed off the campaign trail almost entirely, and maintained her background role after an attempt on his life in Pennsylvania in July – issuing a written statement after the shooting calling for an end to political violence.

Family affairs appear to be an exception – as she was spotted applauding young Barron as he graduated from school in Florida earlier this year.

She has evaded the limelight and spent her time building her own business empire, away from that of her husband’s. Her new memoir, Melania, reveals a desire to be a fully independent woman despite the apparent opulence that comes with being married to Trump. 

Financial disclosures reported by DailyMail.com show how she has raked in six-figure sums for appearing at Republican events in the years after she vacated the White House, and even sold a hat she wore on a French state visit for $170,000.

While sales of her memoir will continue to fuel her financial independence, the book failed to shed light on her relationship with her husband, refuelling an already years-old blaze of speculation as to whether her marriage to Trump is a happy one.

12. BARRON TRUMP

Barron Trump, the youngest of the Trump brood, is already a firm favorite among the MAGA community.

It’s long been reported that his mother Melania was fiercely protective of him, particularly during Trump’s term in office between 2016 and 2020. 

Trump was given time off from his trial in May to attend 18-year-old Barron’s high school graduation ceremony.

This past May, just after Barron turned 18, he graduated high school. He is a freshman at New York University’s Stern School of Business, but flew to Florida with his mother to attend his father’s election party in Mar-a-Lago.

Barron Trump, the youngest of the Trump brood, is already a firm favorite among the MAGA community

Barron Trump, the youngest of the Trump brood, is already a firm favorite among the MAGA community

Barron is shown here in 2015, a full year before his father became the president of the United States

Barron is shown here in 2015, a full year before his father became the president of the United States 

Melania Trump shared a photograph of 18-year-old Barron at the polling booths on Tuesday night

Melania Trump shared a photograph of 18-year-old Barron at the polling booths on Tuesday night

Also in May this year, it was reported that Barron would be among the delegates from Florida who would formally select his father as the Republican nominee at the RNC. 

Those reports were swiftly shut down by Melania’s office who said that he would not be at the convention due to prior commitments. This later proved as he was the only family member missing from the final moments of the convention. 

Barron was absent from the campaign trail, but is said to have been the one who suggested his father do interviews on podcast this election cycle, including the highly-popular Joe Rogan Experience.

He is also reportedly involved in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency business that Trump announced in September. 

Barron voted in his first election on Tuesday, according to his mother who shared a photograph of him at a polling booth. He was noticeably absent when his parents cast their votes in Florida earlier in the day.

13. VIKTOR KNAVS

Viktor Knavs, 80, is Melania Trump’s father. He and his wife Amalija raised Melania in Solvenia. His wife passed away at the age of 78 in January 2024. 

Melanie revealed in her memoir that Amalija, a seamstress raised on an onion farm, and her car salesman father Viktor would take her and sister Ines to Elton John and Tina Turner concerts make her feel ‘more connected’ to neighboring countries Italy and Austria.

Viktor and Amalija were sworn in as US citizens in 2018. In more recent years, Viktor has supported Trump at political events. 

Trump gave Viktor and Amalija a shoutout during his acceptance speech.

Barron is reported to be very close to his Melania’s side of the family. 

Viktor Knavs, 80, is Melania Trump's father. He is pictured with his daughter and grandson Barron

Viktor Knavs, 80, is Melania Trump’s father. He is pictured with his daughter and grandson Barron

In more recent years, Melania's father Victor Knavs (left) has supported former President Donald Trump at political events. He's photographed alongside (from left) Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos after the ex-president was arraigned in April 2023

In more recent years, Melania’s father Victor Knavs (left) has supported former President Donald Trump at political events. He’s photographed alongside (from left) Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos after the ex-president was arraigned in April 2023 

14. USHA VANCE

Usha Chilukuri Vance found herself thrust into the national spotlight this summer when Trump tapped her husband JD Vance to be his 2024 running mate.

But the Republican vice president-elect’s glamorous spouse is no stranger to a high-profile public life – even if, on Tuesday night as she and JD watched Trump claim victory, it appeared as if the gravity of her soon-to-be new role was sinking in.

The Ivy League-educated litigator has worked at a top DC law firm and clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts in addition to being married to the Ohio senator and bestselling author. 

The pair first met while they were both students at Yale Law School in 2013. In his book Hillbilly Elegy, which was also made into a Ron Howard-directed film, Vance describes Usha as his ‘Yale spirit guide.’ 

Usha Chilukuri Vance found herself thrust into the national spotlight this summer when Trump tapped her husband JD Vance to be his 2024 running mate

Usha Chilukuri Vance found herself thrust into the national spotlight this summer when Trump tapped her husband JD Vance to be his 2024 running mate

JD and Usha Vance with two of their three children, Ewan and Vivek

JD and Usha Vance with two of their three children, Ewan and Vivek

They married one year out of law school in 2014 and had their first child, Ewan Blaine, in 2017. 

They also have a second son, Vivek, and welcomed a daughter, Mirabel, in December 2021. The couple are raising their three children in Cincinnati. 

She will be serving in the role as the Second Lady of the United States. 

15. JD VANCE

JD Vance made a name for himself with his memoir, the 2016 bestseller ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ which was published as Trump was first running for president.

He was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. He joined the Marines and served in Iraq, and later earned degrees from Ohio State University and Yale Law School. He also worked as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley.

‘Hillbilly Elegy’ earned Vance a reputation as someone who could help explain the maverick New York businessman’s appeal in middle America, especially among working class voters.

The book is also introduced Vance to the Trump family. Don Jr. loved the book and knew of Vance when he went to launch his political career. 

The pair met, hit it off and remained friends. Don Jr. is credited with being influential in JD becoming the vice presidential pick.

JD Vance made a name for himself with his memoir, the 2016 bestseller 'Hillbilly Elegy,' which was published as Trump was first running for president

JD Vance made a name for himself with his memoir, the 2016 bestseller ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ which was published as Trump was first running for president

Usha Chilukuri Vance standing with her husband JD Vance as he arrives for his 2022 election night party after being declared the winner of the Ohio Senate race on November 8, 2022

Usha Chilukuri Vance standing with her husband JD Vance as he arrives for his 2022 election night party after being declared the winner of the Ohio Senate race on November 8, 2022

After Trump won the 2016 election, Vance returned to Ohio and set up an anti-opioid charity. He also took to the lecture circuit and was a favored guest at Republican dinners.

During his appearances, Vance promoted his ideas for fixing the country, helping lay the groundwork for his Senate bid.

Vance was harshly critical of Trump, both publicly and privately, in 2016 and during the opening stages of Trump’s 2017-2021 term in the White House. 

But by the time Vance ran for Senate in 2022, his demonstrations of loyalty – which included downplaying the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump’s supporters – were sufficient to score the former president’s coveted endorsement. Trump’s support helped put him over the top in a competitive primary. 

Vance’s personal relationship with Trump developed for the most part during the Republican presidential primary earlier this year, that person said. Vance’s decision to endorse Trump in January 2023, well before some other vice-presidential hopefuls, served as an important demonstration of loyalty, that person added.

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance kisses wife Usha on the floor during day one of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee as he is officially nominated

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance kisses wife Usha on the floor during day one of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee as he is officially nominated

In February 2023, Trump and Vance visited East Palestine, Ohio, the site of a toxic train derailment, a trip that raised Vance’s national profile. They portrayed Democratic President Joe Biden’s decision at the time not to visit the working-class community as a betrayal of middle America.

The White House noted at the time that federal agents were on the scene almost immediately after the derailment, and that visiting a disaster site can distract from local recovery efforts. Biden eventually visited East Palestine roughly a year later, in February 2024.

Behind the scenes, Vance helped convince wealthy donors to open their wallets to Trump, according to two people with knowledge of Trump’s fundraising operations. Vance, for instance, helped put together a Bay Area fundraiser in June hosted by venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, one of those people said.

Vance’s skepticism of corporate America, support for tariffs, weariness of foreign entanglements and his youth make him a leading voice of a new Republican Party that is more focused on the working class than big business in the eyes of supporters.

16. IVANKA TRUMP

Ivanka Trump has often been referred to as Trump’s favorite child. Like her brothers, she came to public attention thanks to her appearances on The Apprentice and then followed Trump into the political realm.

When Trump announced he was running for the presidency in 2016, he tapped up Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, to be key members of his inner circle as his sons were anointed as caretakers of the family business. 

Ivanka Trump is pictured with her husband Jared Kushner

Ivanka Trump is pictured with her husband Jared Kushner

Ivanka Trump is pictured with her father Donald Trump and mother Ivana Trump

Ivanka Trump is pictured with her father Donald Trump and mother Ivana Trump

After Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election at the hands of President Joe Biden, Ivanka and Jared distanced themselves from the MAGA movement to live quietly in Florida.

Ivanka said under oath that she believed then-Attorney General Bill Barr’s assertion that the 2020 election was free and fair. 

During her time away from politics, Ivanka concentrated on her role as a mother and on her old socialite lifestyle, earning her way back into the good books of pro-Democrat celebrity circles.

Don Jr., Ivanka and Eric, all joined their father, along with their partners and children on stage to close out the Republican convention to rapturous applause. 

Her appearance at the 2024 convention marked her first appearance with her father during the 2024 election cycle. 

She and her husband made an appearance at her father’s private club for the election results.

Ivanka had earlier vowed to stay away from politics, after she and Jared became two of the former president’s most trusted advisers and principal gatekeepers during his first administration.

But sources have suggested the former First Daughter may once again stand by her father’s side if he retakes the White House. Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump was also in attendance at the Mar-a-Lago celebration.

17. JARED KUSHNER 

Jared Kushner, 43, served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first term in office after running the 2016 election campaign’s social media accounts.

While serving under Trump, he focused his work on the Middle East. But he and his wife Ivanka stepped away from politics after Trump’s 2020 election loss.

Jared set up the firm Affinity Partners after leaving the White House, where he oversaw the administration’s Middle East peace efforts.

It now has a $3.1billion fund bankrolled by the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as Taiwanese billionaire Terry Gou.

Jared made those top-level Arab contacts while in the Trump administration and is estimated to have personally earned at least $112million in fees since 2021.

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump have taken a dramatic step back from politics in recent years

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump have taken a dramatic step back from politics in recent years 

Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner, 43, smile from ear-to-ear with their children, Arabella, Theo and Joseph

Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner, 43, smile from ear-to-ear with their children, Arabella, Theo and Joseph

But has argued that, as a private citizen, he has the right to pursue international real-estate and business deals – even if they involve foreign governments.

Jared has expressed having no interest in returning to politics, however a Trump insider recently told The Daily Telegraph that the ‘Middle East stuff may still interest Jared’.

Ivanka and Jared have been together since 2005, marrying in a Jewish ceremony in October 2009. 

They have three children together, Arabella, 13, Joseph, 10 and Theodore, 8.

ELON MUSK

Elon Musk became Trump’s most vocal fan and one of his biggest financial backers during the US election, which has seen X become an unofficial Republican Party campaign tool.

He spent at least $119million mobilizing Trump’s supporters to back the Republican nominee. 

Musk’s influence has been so stark that, in his speech to supporters on election night in the US after he declared victory, Trump paid a lengthy tribute to Musk, calling him a ‘star’ of the Republican Party and a ‘wonderful’ guy.

Musk has posted relentlessly about his support for Trump to his hundreds of millions of followers in the run-up to the election, claiming the future of civilization was at stake at the polls

Donald Trump is seen chatting it up with Elon Musk and Dana White at Mar-a-Lago's election night party on Tuesday. Both Musk and White are expected to receive roles in his cabinet

Donald Trump is seen chatting it up with Elon Musk and Dana White at Mar-a-Lago’s election night party on Tuesday. Both Musk and White are expected to receive roles in his cabinet

Elon Musk brought one of his eleven children with him to Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday evening

Elon Musk brought one of his eleven children with him to Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday evening

The tech billionaire endorsed Trump following an attempt on the former president’s life last summer.

Trump has vowed to establish an independent government efficiency panel that would audit the entire federal government, an idea suggested by Musk.

He has not detailed how the body would function. The government already has watchdogs such as the Office of Management and Budget, and investigators general at federal agencies. 

But Trump has said the Tesla and SpaceX billionaire would head the commission. 

Musk was one of the biggest donors to Republican Party causes over this election campaign, and joined the former president’s watch party at his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on Tuesday evening. 

Trump said he would seek to decimate what he terms the ‘deep state’ – career federal employees he says are clandestinely pursuing their own agendas – through an executive order that would reclassify thousands of workers to enable them to be fired. That would likely be challenged in court.

He would crack down on federal whistleblowers, who are typically shielded by law, and would institute an independent body to ‘monitor’ US intelligence agencies.

SUSIE WILES

One of Trump's two co-campaign managers, Susie Wiles is seen as the odds-on favorite to be Trump's White House chief of staff. She is pictured with Trump during his victory speech

One of Trump’s two co-campaign managers, Susie Wiles is seen as the odds-on favorite to be Trump’s White House chief of staff. She is pictured with Trump during his victory speech

One of Trump’s two co-campaign managers, Susie Wiles is seen as the odds-on favorite to be Trump’s White House chief of staff. 

While the specifics of her political views are somewhat unclear, she is credited with running a successful and efficient campaign. 

Supporters hope she would instill a sense of order and discipline that was often lacking during Trump’s first term, when he cycled through a number of chiefs of staff.

ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR

Trump, 78, has also promised to put rival-turned-endorser Robert F. Kennedy Jr in charge of the nation's health agencies. Kennedy is pictured at Trump's Mar-a-Lago's election night party

Trump, 78, has also promised to put rival-turned-endorser Robert F. Kennedy Jr in charge of the nation’s health agencies. Kennedy is pictured at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago’s election night party

Trump rival-turned-endorser Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will also get a role in the new cabinet.

‘The key, which President Trump has promised me, is control of the public health agencies, which is HHS and its sub-agencies, CDC, FDA, NIH and a few others,’ RFK Jr. said on a Zoom call with supporters. 

Kennedy said the weekend before the election that Trump had ‘promised him’ control of the ‘public health agencies’. 

One of his first policies, Kennedy said, would be to advise all public water systems in the U.S. to remove fluoride from its water. 

At his rallies, Trump has touted Kennedy’s focus on healthy food and said he would let the former independent presidential candidate ‘go wild’ with his oversight. 

HOWARD LUTNICK

Wealthy investor Howard Lutnick, who raised $75million for Trump and co-heads his transition effort, could also be up for a prime job in Trump’s cabinet.

Politico listed him as a potential Treasury Secretary. 

Lutnick was one of the speakers at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally and has also spoken to Musk about cleaning up the government’s financial efficiency. 

‘We’re going to rip the waste out of our $6.5 trillion budget and we are going to then balance the budget … we have offices we don’t use, we have procurement waste at vast scale and I mean vast scale,’ said Lutnick. 

Howard Lutnick (second from l.) with NY Rep. Elise Stefanik and Hose Speaker Mike Johnson watch as Donald Trump claims victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election

Howard Lutnick (second from l.) with NY Rep. Elise Stefanik and Hose Speaker Mike Johnson watch as Donald Trump claims victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election

RIC GRENELL

Ric Grenell could take a top foreign policy role in Trump’s new cabinet. 

At the Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump called for an ‘SOB diplomat.’ 

Trump still refers to the former US ambassador to Germany as his ‘envoy’ and he has turned up in Guatemala and other countries where officials have reason to believe he speaks for Trump.

Ric Grenell could take a top foreign policy role

Ric Grenell could take a top foreign policy role

TOM COTTON

A Harvard College and Harvard Law School-educated Army officer-turned-US senator from Arkansas, Tom Cotton is well-liked among Trump donors and is a serious contender for secretary of defense. 

Like Hagerty, he emerged as a dark-horse contender to be Trump’s running mate in the final weeks of the vice presidential selection process in June and July.

Cotton represents the shrunken hawkish wing of the Republican Party, having consistently supported military aid for Ukraine.

Tom Cotton, a Harvard College and Harvard Law School-educated Army officer-turned-US senator from Arkansas, is well-liked among Trump donors and is a serious contender for secretary of defense. He is pictured introducing his son Daniel to Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on  July 16, 2024

Tom Cotton, a Harvard College and Harvard Law School-educated Army officer-turned-US senator from Arkansas, is well-liked among Trump donors and is a serious contender for secretary of defense. He is pictured introducing his son Daniel to Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on  July 16, 2024

STEVE MNUNCHIN

Steve Mnuchin served as Treasury Secretary during Trump’s first Oval Office term.

He has stayed away from the 2024 race and has only made a handful of media appearances since he left the White House.

But he is still considered a top Trump ally and is understood to be a contender for the role again.

Steve Mnuchin (pictured in 2022) served as Treasury Secretary during Trump's first term

Steve Mnuchin (pictured in 2022) served as Treasury Secretary during Trump’s first term

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