When it comes to former president Donald Trump, influence isn’t just about official titles — it’s about proximity, loyalty, and public image.
From the corridors of the White House to the palm-tree-lined estates of Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster, there’s a fierce, behind-the-scenes contest over who actually wields the most sway with America’s most talked-about leader.
Trump’s circle is stacked with loyalists, insiders, and family members.
But who among them is actually shaping policy, steering conversations, and whispering in the president’s ear at the right moment?
A new survey has some answers — and a few surprises.
Melania Trump Quietly Tops the Power Rankings
Forget what you think you know — it’s not just cabinet secretaries or high-ranking officials calling the shots.
According to the Trump World Power List, based on feedback from 1,000 American voters, Melania Trump sits comfortably at the top.
Despite staying mostly out of the political fray, Melania’s calm, private demeanor and sharp instincts have made her Trump’s most trusted advisor.
She topped the charts for being the most trustworthy, knowledgeable, and even the person voters would most like to spend time with — tied only with Ivanka.
Behind the scenes, insiders say she’s playing a more active role than many realize.
Whether the issue is military aid to Ukraine or global humanitarian policies, Melania’s input reportedly carries weight.
A spokesperson summed it up: “Mrs. Trump can discreetly influence policy in a manner that is rarely observed by the public due to her singular position.”
Barron Trump Steps Into the Spotlight
In what might be one of the more surprising takeaways, Barron Trump has become a breakout favorite among Trump supporters.
At 6-foot-7 and now a freshman at New York University studying business, the youngest Trump son rarely speaks publicly — but that might be exactly why voters love him.
He ranked second overall on the power list, beating out seasoned advisors and even some of his older siblings.
He’s described as “fun,” “truthful,” and — surprisingly — one of the most knowledgeable, just behind his mom and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
His occasional appearances at campaign events and family gatherings have added to the intrigue, especially among younger conservative voters.
Ivanka Maintains Favor Despite Political Hiatus
While she’s stepped back from public office, Ivanka Trump remains one of the most liked figures in Trump World.
Her softer image and focus on family and philanthropy seem to have paid off.
Even some Democrats have a hard time disliking her these days.
She ranked sixth overall — still highly respected, despite having distanced herself from the day-to-day political grind since her father’s first term.
A GOP strategist explained it like this: “Ivanka hasn’t talked politics in five years. That makes her far less polarizing.”
Don Jr. Takes a Hit in the Popularity Department
It seems Donald Trump Jr.’s outspoken style isn’t winning hearts.
He landed near the bottom of the rankings — seen by voters as one of the least likeable, least truthful, and most biased figures in his father’s inner circle.
Despite staying vocal about conservative values and continuing to represent the Trump brand in business deals across the globe, Don Jr. may be struggling with public perception.
One insider said bluntly: “The more outspoken you are, the more you create fans — but also more enemies.”
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Others Struggle for Favor
It wasn’t just Don Jr. who underwhelmed in the rankings.
His former fiancée, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who’s now nominated for U.S. Ambassador to Greece, also fared poorly.
Voters picked her as the least desirable person to hang out with, and she landed at the bottom of the “knowledgeable” category.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also failed to impress, highlighting a trend: voters favor figures who are either family or quiet operators — not those constantly in the headlines.
J.D. Vance’s Mixed Reception Signals Room for Growth
Vice President J.D. Vance had a lukewarm showing.
While he’s gained ground in recent political polls and could be a strong contender in 2028, this survey shows he still has work to do on his public image.
He was ranked as one of the least likeable and least truthful, suggesting voters aren’t yet fully convinced by his leadership style — or perhaps just don’t feel connected to him.
Still, insiders see potential. One White House staffer remarked: “Vance has championed the Trump-Vance agenda well.
But after the midterms, he’ll need to distinguish himself if he’s eyeing the presidency.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Faces Fallout from Controversy
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth didn’t escape scrutiny either.
Following controversy surrounding leaked details of a Yemen airstrike, his image took a hit — voters ranked him among the least likeable and least knowledgeable cabinet members.
His performance shows how public perception can shift quickly in the face of controversy, even for a MAGA mainstay.
Karoline Leavitt Emerges as a Rising Star
One bright spot in the Trump World lineup was Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who earned praise for her no-nonsense approach with the media.
She ranked high on likeability, fun, and even as someone voters would enjoy spending time with.
She’s proven that staying sharp and direct — without going over the top — can still win the public over.
Quiet Loyalty Wins Over Loud Allegiance
One clear takeaway from this year’s Trump World Power List is that the quieter figures — Melania, Barron, and Ivanka — are connecting more with voters than the louder, more combative personalities.
As the Trump presidency continues its unpredictable ride, it’s the people behind the scenes, often operating out of the spotlight, who seem to be shaping the direction of MAGA 2.0.
And as we continue rolling out more DailyMail+ Power Lists, covering everything from politics to media to fashion, one thing’s for sure — the power behind the throne is often hiding in plain sight.