All the President's aides: Decoding the new Trump ecosystem

Donald Trump's second term promises to be markedly different from his first.

- Prashant Jha

He now leads a more ideologically cohesive movement, backed by stronger organisations that have spent four years preparing personnel and policies. Most significantly, his inner circle has transformed, reflecting a shift from the relatively moderate voices of his first term to more hardline America First advocates.

While Trump's unpredictability remains his trademark, and proximity to him offers no guarantee of permanence - as evidenced by his frequent dismissals during his first term - certain figures have emerged as crucial to his new administration's direction. Here are the key players who are likely to shape Trump's policies and decisions:

JD Vance

The 40-year-old vice presidentelect will be the America First movement's chief ideologue in the Trump administration. A Yale Law School graduate and tech venture capitalist, Vance authored "Hillbilly Elegy," a memoir explaining Trump's Midwest appeal while initially being critical of him.

As senator, Vance has mentored numerous voices in the FarRight intellectual ecosystem. He champions domestic manufacturing, criticises big tech monopolies making him an unlikely ally of Democratic regulators and advocates Christian conservatism. His vision for America emphasises internal focus over external engagement, coupled with opposition to immigration.

Though his influence with Trump remains to be tested, Vance is positioned as the potential Republican presidential nominee for 2028, representing the next generation of the Make America Great Again movement.