President-elect Donald Trump has begun unveiling the people he plans to nominate for key positions in his upcoming administration, including high-profile figures such as Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, and Matt Gaetz.
Shortly after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the election, Trump started naming his picks for Cabinet positions and other roles. These selections include some of his closest allies and advisors who were instrumental in his 2024 campaign.
With Republicans controlling the Senate and possibly the House, Trump is poised to see most of his nominees confirmed. However, he has also encouraged the use of recess appointments, sparking speculation about potentially controversial choices.
Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
Trump announced Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his nominee for Secretary of State.
Rubio, who serves as vice-chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is known for his strong stances on China, Iran, and Russia. Like other Republicans, he has adjusted his views on U.S. support for Ukraine to align with Trump’s position. Rubio’s appointment requires Senate confirmation.
Department of Homeland Security: Kristi Noem
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been tapped to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Noem will oversee border security initiatives, including Trump’s pledge for “mass deportations,” working closely with “border czar” Tom Homan and White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller. Her nomination also requires Senate approval.
Secretary of Defense: Pete Hegseth
Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth has been selected for Secretary of Defense, with Trump citing his military background and communication skills.
Hegseth, a veteran of the Army National Guard who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has also led advocacy efforts to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate must confirm his nomination.
Health and Human Services Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Trump chose Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, to head the Department of Health and Human Services.
The department oversees critical health agencies such as the CDC, FDA, and Medicare & Medicaid Services. Kennedy’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.
‘Department of Government Efficiency’: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy
Trump introduced a new initiative called the “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
This advisory body, which will not operate as a federal agency, aims to provide guidance on streamlining government operations and reducing waste.
Attorney General: Matt Gaetz (Withdrawn)
Former Representative Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for Attorney General after it became clear he lacked sufficient support for Senate confirmation.
Attorney General: Pam Bondi
Following Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the position. Bondi, a longtime Trump ally, defended him during his first impeachment trial and remains a trusted legal advisor.
Secretary of Education: Linda McMahon
Trump announced Linda McMahon, a former WWE executive and Small Business Services secretary, as his pick to lead the Department of Education. McMahon, who has limited education experience, supports Trump’s proposal to eliminate the department and shift responsibilities to the states. Senate approval is required for her nomination.
FCC Chairman: Brendan Carr
Trump selected Brendan Carr, a current FCC commissioner, to lead the agency.
Carr, initially nominated by Trump in 2017, has a term that extends through 2029, allowing him to serve as chairman without additional Senate confirmation.
Deputy Attorney General: Todd Blanche
Trump named Todd Blanche, his personal attorney, as his choice for Deputy Attorney General. The Senate must confirm his nomination.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Doug Collins
Doug Collins, a former congressman and current Air Force Reserve chaplain, has been nominated to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. His appointment requires Senate confirmation.
Energy Secretary: Chris Wright
Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, has been nominated as Secretary of Energy. Wright, an outspoken critic of climate change policies, will require Senate approval.
Interior Secretary: Doug Burgum
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has been selected to lead the Department of the Interior. Trump also announced Burgum would chair the newly created National Energy Council. The Senate must confirm his nomination.
Transportation Secretary: Sean Duffy
Former Representative Sean Duffy has been chosen as Secretary of Transportation. Trump highlighted Duffy’s commitment to infrastructure excellence and national security. Senate confirmation is required.
Solicitor General: Dean John Sauer
Trump nominated Dean John Sauer, one of his legal defenders, for Solicitor General. The position requires Senate approval.
‘Border Czar’: Tom Homan
Former ICE Director Tom Homan has been named “border czar” to oversee Trump’s immigration policies, including mass deportations. This position does not require Senate confirmation.
Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles
Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign co-manager, has been appointed as his White House Chief of Staff. Wiles will not need Senate confirmation.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy: Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller, a senior advisor from Trump’s first term, will assume the role of Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
Deputy Chief of Staff: Dan Scavino
Dan Scavino, another veteran of Trump’s first administration, has been named Deputy Chief of Staff.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications: Taylor Budowich
Taylor Budowich, former head of Trump’s super PAC, has been appointed Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications.
Ambassador to the United Nations: Elise Stefanik
Representative Elise Stefanik has been selected as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally, requires Senate confirmation.
CIA Director: John Ratcliffe
Former DNI John Ratcliffe has been nominated as Director of the CIA. His nomination will need Senate approval.
EPA Administrator: Lee Zeldin
Former Congressman Lee Zeldin has been chosen to lead the EPA. His nomination requires Senate confirmation.
National Security Adviser: Mike Waltz
Florida Representative Mike Waltz has been named National Security Adviser. This role does not require Senate approval.
Ambassador to Israel: Mike Huckabee
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has been nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, a position requiring Senate confirmation.
Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman and military veteran, has been nominated as Director of National Intelligence. Senate approval is required.
Commerce Secretary: Howard Lutnick
Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been nominated as Secretary of Commerce. The Senate must confirm his appointment.
White House Counsel: Bill McGinley
Bill McGinley has been named White House Counsel, a role that does not require Senate approval.
Surgeon General: Dr. Janette Nesheiwat
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat has been nominated as Surgeon General, pending Senate confirmation.
CDC Director: Dr. Dave Weldon
Dr. Dave Weldon has been chosen to lead the CDC. His nomination requires Senate approval.
FDA Commissioner: Dr. Marty Makary
Dr. Marty Makary, a vocal critic of pandemic policies, has been nominated to head the FDA. Senate approval is needed.
HUD Secretary: Scott Turner
Scott Turner, a former NFL player, has been tapped as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. His nomination requires Senate confirmation.
Agriculture Secretary: Brooke Rollins
Brooke Rollins has been nominated to lead the Department of Agriculture. Senate approval is required.
Secretary of Treasury: Scott Bessent
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Scott Bessent, a billionaire hedge fund manager, to serve as Secretary of the Treasury.
Bessent, who previously served as Chief Investment Officer for Soros Fund Management, brings extensive experience in global macroeconomics. During Trump’s campaign, he played a pivotal role as an economic adviser, advocating for policies that promote deregulation, increased energy production, and fiscal discipline.
{Matzav.com}