Trump Family Returns to White House with New Dynamics for Second Term

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump returned to Washington on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, to kick off a series of inaugural events marking his second term in office. Accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump, and youngest son, Barron, the Trump family boarded an Air Force Special Mission airplane at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, en route to the nation’s capital.

The Trump family’s return to the White House comes with notable changes since their first term. Barron, who was in fifth grade when his father first took office in 2017, is now an 18-year-old New York University business student. Meanwhile, Trump’s grandchildren, including Kai Trump, 17, and Arabella Kushner, 13, have grown into prominent roles within the family’s public and private spheres.

Trump’s eldest children, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump, played significant roles in his 2024 campaign, though their involvement varied. Ivanka, who served as a senior adviser during her father’s first term, has stepped back from politics to focus on her family. Eric, on the other hand, remains a close adviser and continues to manage the family’s business interests.

Melania Trump, who largely avoided the campaign trail in 2024, has indicated plans to revive her “Be Best” initiative, which focuses on children’s well-being. In an interview with Fox News, she revealed that she has already packed and selected furniture for the White House, signaling her readiness to return to the role of first lady.

The Trump family’s influence extends beyond politics. Kai Trump, an aspiring social media influencer, garnered millions of views with her election night videos, while Jared Kushner, Ivanka’s husband, has stepped back from the political spotlight after serving as a senior adviser in the first administration.

As the Trump family prepares for their second term, their evolving roles and relationships will continue to shape the administration’s dynamics. The inauguration, moved indoors due to extreme cold, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Trumps and the nation.