WASHINGTON (AP) — As Donald Trump gets ready to head back to the White House, his family dynamic has evolved over the past eight years. Barron, his youngest son, who was in fifth grade when Trump first took office, is now a college freshman towering over his 6-foot-plus dad. Granddaughter Kai, who was 9 in 2017, has grown into an aspiring social media influencer and skilled golfer. Grandson Joseph, now 11, was previously pictured sitting on Trump’s lap with a Lego model of the White House.
In Trump’s political circle, his daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared, are currently in Florida, having served in his first administration. Family members play vital roles in providing presidents with moral support, acting as sounding boards, offering companionship, and sometimes adding to the president’s headaches.
Tevi Troy, a former George W. Bush administration official and author, highlighted the unique trust and understanding that family can offer in times of need. Trump, who has five children from his marriages to Ivana Trump, Marla Maples, and Melania Trump, along with 10 grandkids and one more on the way, values the support and connection he shares with his loved ones.
A snapshot of Trump’s family then and now:
His wife, Melania Trump:
THEN: Melania spent the early months of Trump’s presidency at their Manhattan penthouse to ensure Barron wouldn’t need to switch schools mid-year. She later traveled with Trump, both domestically and internationally, to promote her “Be Best” initiative while safeguarding her privacy.
NOW: Melania took a more subdued role during Trump’s 2024 campaign, focusing on key appearances and releasing a memoir and documentary about her life. Despite uncertainties about her future White House presence, Melania has expressed readiness by packing and selecting furniture for the executive mansion.
His children:
Donald Trump Jr.:
THEN: Trump’s eldest son, now 46, was actively involved in his father’s campaigns in 2016 and 2020.
NOW: Donald Jr.’s influence has increased, with his input on selecting key personnel for the administration. He is engaged in managing the family business, serves as an honorary chairman of Trump’s transition, hosts a podcast, and is vigilant about preventing undesired elements from entering the administration. Donald Jr. has five children with his ex-wife Vanessa Trump: Kai Madison, 17; Donald John III, 15; Tristan Milos, 13; Spencer Frederick, 12; and Chloe Sophia, 10.
In 2016, Ivanka, 43, actively supported her father’s campaign and later joined his White House as a senior adviser after moving her family from New York City to Washington. While also involved in the 2020 campaign, she and her family subsequently relocated to Florida and stepped back from the public eye following his defeat. Presently, as Trump prepares for the 2024 election, Ivanka announced her love and support for him but decided to step away from politics to prioritize her husband and their three children. She did, however, join her father and family members on election night and other key events. Ivanka expressed her intention to be there for her father primarily as a daughter during this period.
Ivanka and her husband share three children: Arabella Rose, 13; Joseph Frederick, 11; and Theodore James Kushner, 8.
Regarding Eric Trump, 40, he continues to be actively involved in the family business and serves as an honorary chair of the transition while also advising his father closely. Eric has recently focused on launching a crypto platform with his brother and has been actively engaged in running the family business. Eric and his wife, Lara, are parents to Eric Luke, 7, and Carolina Dorothy Trump, 5.
Tiffany Trump, 31, Trump’s daughter with Marla Maples, has been more visible in the 2024 campaign but generally shies away from the public eye. She is expecting her first child with her husband, Michael Boulos, who is a businessman actively involved in supporting Trump during the campaign. Michael’s father, Massad Boulos, also plays a significant role as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Barron Trump, 18, is a freshman business student at New York University. Known for recommending popular podcasts to young men, Barron’s contributions during the campaign were highly valued. Barron will have a bedroom in the White House, as confirmed by Melania Trump, who praised his understanding of politics and ability to connect with young people.
Lara Trump, 42, Trump’s daughter-in-law, was actively involved in campaigning for him and later considered running for a U.S. Senate seat from North Carolina. However, she chose not to pursue the opportunity and became a Fox News commentator instead.
In a strategic move, the former president appointed his daughter-in-law to a prominent position within the Republican National Committee, where she played a pivotal role in advocating for the party’s causes and spearheading various initiatives. However, following the election, she decided to step down from her position and withdrew her name from consideration for a potential role as a successor to Senator Marco Rubio.
Lara Trump’s interests extend beyond politics, as she is deeply passionate about fitness, even launching her own line of activewear. Additionally, she has delved into the world of music, releasing several songs as a side venture. Her daughter Carolina carries a meaningful namesake, honoring Lara’s home state.
Transitioning to the influential figure of Jared Kushner, who played a significant role in the 2016 Trump campaign and later assumed a position as a senior adviser in the White House, focusing on policies concerning Israel and the Middle East. While Kushner has since retreated from the political limelight, attention now shifts to his father, Charles Kushner, who is poised to be nominated as the U.S. ambassador to France. Charles Kushner, a real estate mogul, received a pardon from Trump in 2020 for past legal transgressions.
Shifting gears to the next generation, Donald Trump’s granddaughter Kai, at the age of 17, is carving her path as an up-and-coming social media influencer. With a substantial following, particularly on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, Kai has showcased her public speaking skills and golfing prowess, often bonding with her grandfather over the game. In a memorable moment at the Republican convention, she asserted her resilience against any attempts to rattle her, proudly asserting her Trump lineage.
Another young member of the family, Arabella Kushner, captured hearts when her grandfather showcased her talents to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Now at the age of 13, Arabella has a diverse set of hobbies, from music and horseback riding to martial arts, as shared by her mother on social media.
These glimpses into the lives of the Trump-Kushner family offer a multifaceted perspective on their endeavors beyond the political realm. From entrepreneurial pursuits to artistic endeavors and youthful aspirations, each member brings a unique contribution to the family tapestry. As they navigate various interests and opportunities, the family’s legacy continues to evolve, reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity.
