NY Times: Trump's 20 Outside 'Advisers' Includes Newsmax CEO

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has increasingly been turning to a small coterie of advisers outside the din of Washington and politics for advice and counsel.

Among those advisers, according to The New York Times, is Newsmax Founder and CEO Christopher Ruddy. He is among 20 people the Times identified as having Trump’s ear on important issues spanning politics, commerce, trade and international affairs.

"Relationships have always been President Trump’s currency and comfort, helping him talk his way into real estate deals over three decades in New York," the Times reports. "Those who know him best say that his outer confidence has always belied an inner uncertainty, and that he needs to test ideas with a wide range of people."

Here is the list of key advisers that the Times compiled based on extensive interviews:

1. Rupert Murdoch: executive chairman of News Corp

2. Sean Hannity: Fox News host

3. Christopher Ruddy: CEO, Newsmax Media

4. Sheri Dillon: ethics lawyer

5. Corey Lewandowski: former Donald Trump campaign manager

6. Newt Gingrich: former House Speaker

7. Richard LeFrak: longtime Trump friend and chief executive of family-run real estate firm

8. Thomas Barrack Jr.: real estate investor, chief executive Colony Capital

9: Stephen Schwarzman: chief executive Blackstone Group

10: Steve Roth: head of Vornado Realty Trust

11: Phil Ruffin: businessman with interests in casinos, oil production and real estate

12: Carl Icahn: investor, business mogul, head of Icahn Enterprises

13: Roger Stone: political consultant, lobbyist, strategist

14: Ike Perlmutter: chief executive Marvel Comics

15: Robert Kraft: owner New England Patriots

16: First Lady Melania Trump

17: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

18: House Speaker Paul Ryan

19: Son Donald Trump Jr.

20: Son Eric Trump