NEW YORK - Donald Trump Jr has emerged as the most influential Trump family member in the transition to the White House as his father Donald Trump builds the most controversial Cabinet in modern US history, according to half a dozen sources with knowledge of his role.

The President-elect has elevated inexperienced loyalists over more qualified candidates for top positions in his administration.

Trump, who fiercely prizes loyalty, has long relied on family members for political advice, but which relative has his ear is known to vary.

This time, it is his eldest child who has helped Cabinet contenders sink or rise to the fore – from championing Senator J.D. Vance as Trump’s running mate to blocking former secretary of state Mike Pompeo from joining the Cabinet, according to the sources, who include donors, personal friends and political allies.

Trump’s son is due to join conservative venture capital fund 1789 Capital, although one of the sources said he will continue to host his politics-focused podcast and support candidates that espouse his father’s brand of politics.

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