President-elect Donald Trump has announced his selections for several key cabinet positions and high-ranking roles following his November 5 election victory. These appointments cover critical areas like defense, intelligence, health, diplomacy, trade, and justice.
Key Cabinet Appointments
Scott Bessent – Treasury Secretary
Scott Bessent, a hedge fund investor and former Yale University lecturer, is Trump’s pick for Treasury Secretary. Known for his support of free-market policies, Bessent has also endorsed Trump’s use of tariffs in trade negotiations. He will play a significant role in shaping economic and regulatory policies.
Marco Rubio – Secretary of State
Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been nominated as Secretary of State, becoming the first Latino to potentially hold this position. Rubio, known for his strong stance on foreign policy, has adapted some of his views to align with Trump’s less interventionist approach.
Pete Hegseth – Defense Secretary
Military veteran and former Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth has been selected as Defense Secretary. He has criticized the Pentagon’s progressive policies and promised to prioritize traditional military values.
Pam Bondi – Attorney General
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, a strong Trump ally, has been chosen for this crucial role. Bondi has supported Trump’s controversial claims about the 2020 election and is expected to play a significant part in executing his legal and immigration strategies.
Tulsi Gabbard – Director of National Intelligence
Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will oversee the nation’s intelligence operations. Gabbard has been vocal against the Biden administration’s foreign policies and will manage 18 intelligence agencies under her leadership.
Kristi Noem – Homeland Security Secretary
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, known for her opposition to pandemic-related restrictions, will lead Homeland Security. She will handle border protection, disaster response, and cybersecurity.
Howard Lutnick – Commerce Secretary
Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been nominated for Commerce Secretary. Lutnick will also oversee the Office of U.S. Trade Representative, focusing on trade policies and relations with China.
Mike Waltz – National Security Adviser
Congressman and retired Army Green Beret Mike Waltz will advise Trump on critical national security issues. Waltz has been an outspoken critic of China and will work on strategies to address rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Elon Musk & Vivek Ramaswamy – Department of Government Efficiency
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. Their task is to streamline government operations and cut unnecessary regulations.
Tom Homan – ‘Border Czar’
Tom Homan, former acting director of ICE, will lead Trump’s immigration policies as the “Border Czar.” His primary focus will be on deportations and strengthening border security.
Elise Stefanik – Ambassador to the UN
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has been nominated as Ambassador to the United Nations. A strong supporter of Trump, Stefanik will represent U.S. interests in international matters, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in Gaza.
Additional Cabinet Members
- Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. – Health and Human Services Secretary
- Lori Chavez-DeRemer – Labor Secretary
- Sean Duffy – Transportation Secretary
- Brooke Rollins – Agriculture Secretary
- Doug Burgum – Interior Secretary and ‘Energy Czar’
- Chris Wright – Energy Secretary
- Linda McMahon – Education Secretary
- Scott Turner – Housing and Urban Development Secretary
- John Ratcliffe – CIA Director
- Russ Vought – Office of Management and Budget Director
- Susie Wiles – Chief of Staff
- Lee Zeldin – EPA Administrator
- Martin Makary – Head of the Food and Drug Administration
- Todd Blanche – Deputy Attorney General
- Dave Weldon – CDC Director
- Janette Nesheiwat – U.S. Surgeon General
