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As the Republican National Convention continues, many are talking about Donald Trump’s family and the role they play in his campaign. While daughter Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner were at the forefront in the past, this time, it’s sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, and daughter-in-law Lara Trump who are in the limelight. But the biggest question still remains: Where is Melania Trump? read more
 "Ivanka out, Donald Trump Jr in and Melania? How Trump’s family stars in his election campaign")
Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump stands with his family, including his grand children on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Reuters
Donald Trump. When you say the name, one usually thinks of his real estate empire and his previous presidential term. Many others would also think of his big, big family. And many of them have been at his side during the presidential election campaign and also making their appearance felt at the ongoing Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Quite a few of his family members have also become synonymous with the Republican Party, with various Trumps now wielding influence. For instance, Lara Trump, Trump’s daughter-in-law, is the co-chair of the Republican National Committee.
But as some members of Trump’s family take centre stage, others have chosen to steer clear of the limelight this time around, namely his wife, Melania Trump who is almost nowhere to be seen during his rallies, as well as even at the RNC. Also largely absent are his daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, who were top aides in the Trump White House.
Let’s take a closer look at his family and the role they play in his election campaign.
Donald Trump Jr
As Donald Trump prepares for the November 5 election, no other member of the Trump family wields as much influence as his eldest child — Donald Trump Jr.
The 46-year-old has been ubiquitous during Trump’s campaign so far. The biggest indication of the power he holds in Trump’s campaign is the selection of JD Vance as the vice presidential candidate. A Financial Times report states that Trump Jr and Vance are close, personal friends and speak or text on a near-daily basis.
He also has played an active role in fundraising for his father. Moreover, his advocacy for gun rights and his criticism of America’s involvement in foreign wars have also made him a darling of the ‘Make America Great Again’ voter base.
If Trump wins, multiple reports state that the 46-year-old’s input may leave a major imprint on his administration. As NBC News reports, he’s eyeing a larger role in picking political appointees during a prospective presidential transition. A person close to him also told the media outlet that he wants to “make sure that good people will get into good places”.
On Wednesday, he even addressed the RNC, after his daughter, Kai, made a speech, describing Donald Trump as a “normal grandpa”, spoiling her and her siblings with “candy and soda” when their parents weren’t looking.
In his address, he took an aggressive stance, saying he’s “never been prouder” of former President Trump than after his reaction to the assassination attempt at his campaign rally on Saturday. He also attacked the administration of Joe Biden on inflation, border policy and so-called cancel culture.
Eric Trump
Donald Trump’s third child, Eric, like his brother been an active part of his father’s bid for the White House. He is more low-key than his brother but lobbies about issues important to him. When his father was president, Eric also ran the family business.
He has been a staunch defender of the former US president in the face of his recent legal troubles. In a Fox News interview, Eric called the raid of his father’s home an “absolute coordinated attack” and claimed that “Joe Biden absolutely signed off on this.”
Lara Trump
While Don Jr and Eric have been around, the new kid on the block, so to speak, is Lara Trump — Eric’s wife. Some say she makes up the new troika that is pushing Donald Trump in the campaign.
And her rise is evident as she was appointed as a co-chair of the Republican National Committee this year. As a co-chair of the RNC, Lara plays a key role in raising money, delivering Trump’s message and promoting party unity.
On Tuesday night, when historically the wife of the presidential nominee speaks, Lara became the talking point when she came out on stage and spoke about her father-in-law. “When I look at Donald Trump, I see a wonderful father, father-in-law, and of course grandfather to my two children,” Lara said in her address. “This is a man who has sacrificed for his family, and a man who has truly sacrificed for his country.”
The role that the 41-year-old former tabloid television producer is playing this election is quite often compared to that Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, played in 2016.
Eric Cortellessa, a reporter who recently interviewed Trump for a TIME magazine profile, said: Her speech was her introduction to the nation in a big way because while she’s had roles in campaigns previously and while she’s been a part of Trump’s inner circle and family orbit for the last eight years, this is the first time she is positioned in a role that has real power inside the Republican Party.”
Some political experts also note that Lara brings the woman factor to Trump’s campaign — something that was missing earlier on.
Melania Trump
Ever since Donald Trump announced his bid to run for the White House again, his wife, Melania Trump, has been conspicuously missing. The former First Lady’s whereabouts have also given rise to ‘Where’s Melania’ conversations everywhere.
She has bailed on her husband’s 2024 campaign launch, almost all of his campaign events and court appearances, and the first presidential debate — fuelling rumours that the two are no longer a couple. She has also missed out on the first three days of the Republican National Convention. But it is said that she will attend the final night, but not make a statement.
Also read: Melania won’t be a full-time First Lady if Trump wins. Here’s what this means
It was only after the assassination attempt on Trump, that Melania broke her silence. In a lengthy letter, she offered her personal feelings for her husband, who she described as a “generous and caring man” and called on the country to unite.
“This morning, ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence,” she wrote. “We all want a world where respect is paramount, family is first, and love transcends. We can realise this world again. Each of us must demand to get it back.”
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner
When Trump won the 2016 elections, his second child, Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner gained centre stage and became Trump surrogates. They were criticised by many to be symbols of nepotism when they served as White House advisers.
Kate Andersen Brower, an author of several books about the White House, told the Financial Times, “Ivanka was criticised by a lot of Democrats who thought she was going to be someone who could temper her father in the White House, and she couldn’t. Either she didn’t want to, or she couldn’t.”
However, after Trump lost in 2020, she and her husband stepped away from politics. Even when her father announced that he would be running again, she issued a statement, stating: “This time around, I am choosing to prioritise my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. While I will always support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena.”
While Ivanka hasn’t made an appearance at the RNC yet, she is expected to attend on Thursday. In fact, Eric Trump told CBS News that Melania Trump, and daughter Ivanka Trump will definitely be coming to the Republican National Convention.
They’re coming in full force and effect, so they’ll certainly be here,” Trump’s middle son said. “Ivanka’s been an incredible supporter of my father… and loves him dearly, and obviously Melania, as well.”
Trump’s other family members
There are other family members such as Tiffany Trump and Barron Trump. However, both of them have chosen to stay away from the limelight.
Tiffany, the fourth child of the former US president, does not maintain any political role in her father’s campaigns or time in the White House. But in 2016 and 2020, she did speak at the RNC to lobby for her father.
There’s also Barron Trump — Donald’s son from Melania. The 18-year-old has also chosen to stay away from the limelight. In May, it was reported he would be among the delegates from the state of Florida who would attend the RNC in July, but a day later his mother stated that he had declined the offer.
With inputs from agencies
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English (US) ·