Donald Trump has started picking his team of top officials following his recent presidential election win. This includes key figures to fill high-ranking positions in defense, intelligence, diplomacy, trade, immigration, and economic policymaking.
Here are some of the early choices and major contenders for important roles in his administration:
SUSIE WILES – Chief of Staff
Trump announced that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will be his White House chief of staff. While her political views are not entirely clear, she is praised for running an efficient campaign. Supporters believe she will bring much-needed order and discipline, something that was often missing during Trump’s first term when he cycled through multiple chiefs of staff.
SCOTT BESSENT – Potential Treasury Secretary
Scott Bessent, a key economic adviser to Trump, is a leading candidate for Treasury Secretary. Known for his work in hedge funds and as a Yale University lecturer, Bessent has a strong relationship with Trump. He supports Trump’s use of tariffs and his economic philosophy, which challenges regulations and international trade practices.
JOHN PAULSON – Potential Treasury Secretary
John Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager and significant Trump donor, is also in the running for Treasury Secretary. He has been a strong advocate for tax cuts and deregulation, aligning with Trump’s policies. Paulson has also supported targeted tariffs and praised Trump’s national security-oriented approach to trade.
LARRY KUDLOW – Potential Treasury Secretary
Larry Kudlow, a FOX Business personality and former director of the National Economic Council, may have a chance to be Treasury Secretary or could be given another economics-focused position. Although skeptical of broad tariffs, Kudlow’s policies are largely in line with Trump’s economic agenda.
ROBERT LIGHTHIZER – Potential Treasury Secretary
Robert Lighthizer, Trump’s former US trade representative, is another candidate for Treasury Secretary. Though Bessent and Paulson may have stronger chances, Lighthizer could return to his previous role. A staunch supporter of tariffs, he was instrumental in Trump’s trade war with China and renegotiating NAFTA.
HOWARD LUTNICK – Potential Treasury Secretary
Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and co-chair of Trump’s transition team, is in the running for Treasury Secretary. A bold figure like Trump, Lutnick has expressed strong support for Trump’s economic policies, especially regarding tariffs, though some allies have complained about his public involvement in policy discussions.
LINDA McMAHON – Potential Commerce Secretary
Linda McMahon, the former CEO of WWE and former head of the Small Business Administration, is the top contender for Commerce Secretary. A major Trump donor, McMahon has been an early supporter of Trump and has served in a leadership role on his transition team. She has a background in business and politics and is widely trusted within Trump’s circle.
RICHARD GRENELL – Potential Secretary of State
Richard Grenell, a close Trump ally, could become Secretary of State. Grenell has served as acting Director of National Intelligence and U.S. Ambassador to Germany. He has been a central figure in Trump’s foreign policy decisions and is considered for either Secretary of State or National Security Adviser. His bold stances, including controversial opinions on Ukraine, have sparked mixed reactions.
ROBERT O’BRIEN – Potential Secretary of State
Robert O’Brien, Trump’s former national security adviser, is also a possible pick for Secretary of State. Known for his hawkish stance on national security, O’Brien has had a close relationship with Trump and maintains strong foreign connections. He has supported more military aid for Ukraine than some of Trump’s other advisers and has been active in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
BILL HAGERTY – Potential Secretary of State
Bill Hagerty, a U.S. senator from Tennessee and former U.S. ambassador to Japan, is a leading contender for Secretary of State. With strong ties to both the Republican Party and foreign leaders, Hagerty is expected to easily pass Senate confirmation. His policies are in line with Trump’s, particularly regarding foreign relations and military matters.
MARCO RUBIO – Potential Secretary of State
Marco Rubio, a U.S. senator from Florida and former presidential candidate, is another strong contender for Secretary of State. Known for his foreign policy work in the Senate, especially regarding Latin America, Rubio’s relationship with Trump has grown closer over the years, and his policy views align closely with Trump’s approach.
MIKE WALTZ – Potential Defense Secretary
Mike Waltz, a former Army Green Beret and current congressman from Florida, is seen as a leading candidate for Secretary of Defense. Known for his tough stance on China, Waltz has worked on bills aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on critical minerals from China and has been vocal on defense issues. His experience and foreign policy views make him a strong contender for the role.
KEITH KELLOGG – Potential National Security Adviser
Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general and former chief of staff to the National Security Council, could be a top choice for National Security Adviser. Kellogg’s work with Trump during his first term and his stance on issues like Ukraine make him a likely pick for this key position.
TOM HOMAN – Potential Homeland Security Secretary
Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is a potential candidate for Homeland Security Secretary. Homan has been a staunch advocate for Trump’s tough immigration policies, including the controversial child separation policy, and is a leading figure in Trump’s vision for immigration reform.
CHAD WOLF – Potential Homeland Security Secretary
Chad Wolf, the former acting Homeland Security Secretary during Trump’s first term, could be returning to this role. Known for his hardline immigration stance, Wolf’s tenure included controversial actions like deploying federal agents to Portland during protests. While his resignation after the Capitol attack could affect his chances, his loyalty to Trump may still make him a contender.
MARK GREEN – Potential Homeland Security Secretary
Mark Green, a former Army flight surgeon and current chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, is another possible pick for Homeland Security Secretary. Green’s strong conservative views and legislative experience make him a good fit for the role, and his connections to Trump’s immigration policies align with the administration’s priorities.
JOHN RATCLIFFE – Potential Attorney General
John Ratcliffe, a former congressman and director of national intelligence during Trump’s final year in office, is a strong candidate for Attorney General. Ratcliffe’s loyalty to Trump and his work on intelligence issues make him a suitable choice for this position. However, his contentious tenure at DNI may present challenges for Senate confirmation.
MIKE LEE – Potential Attorney General
Senator Mike Lee from Utah is also being considered for Attorney General. A key figure in Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election, Lee has become one of Trump’s most vocal supporters and has built a reputation as a constitutional law expert within the Republican Party.
KASH PATEL – Potential National Security Posts
Kash Patel, a former senior staffer in the defense and intelligence sectors during Trump’s first term, is another loyalist considered for key national security roles. His support for Trump’s policies and his controversial actions during the first term make him a polarizing figure, but he is likely to play a role in the second term.
