MILWAUKEE — Former President Donald Trump is set to accept the Republican presidential nomination with a prominent entourage of his most trusted advisers and closest family members by his side. This significant event, scheduled for Thursday, comes on the heels of a dramatic assassination attempt that has dramatically heightened the personal and political stakes of his 2024 campaign.

Over his nine years in the political arena, Trump’s family dynamics have shifted considerably. Initially, his family members played varied roles within his public and political life, but recent developments have seen a realignment that underscores a closer connection to the preferences of his Make America Great Again (MAGA) base.

Ivanka Trump, Trump’s eldest daughter, and her husband, Jared Kushner, who previously served as White House advisers, have faced substantial criticism from both the left and his loyal supporters. They have been accused of epitomizing nepotism and perceived as too closely aligned with establishment circles, leading to their more subdued public presence following Trump's 2020 electoral defeat. Similarly, Former First Lady Melania Trump has been largely absent from her husband's third presidential campaign, concentrating on private matters.

Despite their lower public profiles, Ivanka Trump, Kushner, and Melania Trump will all be present at the Republican National Convention. However, the current influential triumvirate within the Trump family is composed of Donald Trump Jr., his wife Lara Trump, and Eric Trump. This trio has assumed a central role in Trump's 2024 campaign, exerting considerable influence over its direction.

Lara Trump’s elevation to co-chair of the Republican National Committee this year highlights her critical role in the campaign. She is instrumental in fundraising, articulating Trump’s message, and promoting party unity. Her pivotal address to convention delegates on Tuesday evening underscored her significant impact. Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have also played key roles in advising their father, notably influencing his decision to select Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate. This choice was made despite Trump’s earlier consideration of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

The assassination attempt on Trump has intensified the focus on his family’s involvement. The near-fatal incident has profoundly affected them, rendering their support for his campaign even more poignant. Eric Trump, in an interview with MSNBC, described the attack as both an emotional and national crisis, underscoring its deep personal and public ramifications.

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) observed that the family is understandably "shaken" by the event. Richard Grenell, a former acting director of the National Security Agency and a close associate of Melania Trump, noted her significant distress at the sight of her husband and their son, Barron, being endangered. Grenell described Melania as deeply unsettled and "really shook" by the peril faced by her family.

Throughout this week, Donald Trump Jr., Eric, and Lara have been actively representing Trump in media engagements and convention speeches. Donald Trump Jr. is particularly noted for his strong advocacy on issues such as gun rights and skepticism toward U.S. foreign interventions, earning him significant support within the MAGA movement. His growing influence is expected to play a critical role in shaping Trump’s campaign and potential administration policies.

Lara Trump’s role as co-chair is pivotal in rallying resources and ensuring party cohesion. Her significant presence at the convention reflects her crucial contributions to the campaign’s success. Despite some Republican concerns about the potential for additional Trump family members to seek political office, opinions among delegates are mixed. Art Wittich from Montana expressed reservations about further Trump candidacies, favoring a broader political field. Conversely, Mike Elder from South Carolina voiced strong support for a Trump family member, particularly Eric Trump, citing his positive energy and unanticipated potential.

Barron Trump, the youngest of Trump’s children at 18, briefly appeared at a Miami campaign rally last week. He was initially appointed as an at-large delegate to the convention, but this role was later withdrawn due to a prior commitment, according to Melania Trump’s office.

As Trump continues to recover from the assassination attempt, Lara Trump has predicted that her father’s determination to return to the campaign trail remains steadfast. She expressed confidence that Trump would likely revisit the site of the attack, consistent with his resolute nature.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have maintained a lower profile, focusing on personal and familial matters. Lara Trump emphasized that their absence from the campaign should not be construed as a lack of support, affirming that the entire family remains united in backing Trump’s ambitions.

The Republican convention’s atmosphere reflects the gravity of recent events. Upon entering Fiserv Forum on Monday, Trump was met with a resounding standing ovation, with a large bandage on his right ear serving as a stark reminder of the recent shooting. Eric Trump described the moment as "somber" and "emotional," acknowledging the close call his father experienced and its profound impact on the family and the nation.