RFK, Jr., Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard among Trump Cabinet picks

With Donald Trump’s return to the White House as the 47th president, assembling a team of Cabinet nominees who align with his vision for his “America First” agenda is underway. From tough stances on immigration and foreign policy to reducing government intervention and championing American industries, Trump is surrounding himself with loyalists who he believes will seamlessly align with his policies. 

This time, Trump is approaching the nominations from a different direction than his last term. The process has been more discreet and significantly more organized. He is surrounding himself with a group of trusted advisers, such as business leaders like Elon Musk and billionaire businessman Howard Lutnick and business executive Linda McMahon; and current and former members of Congress Tulsi Gabbard and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance; Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.; and son Donald Trump Jr., among others. Witnesses to these deliberations have expressed that the process is looking more like a startup. With some appointees needing Senate confirmation, Trump is prioritizing individuals who are closely aligned with his policy objectives.

Chief of Staff – Susie Wiles

Donald Trump’s campaign manager, widely credited with running his most sophisticated and professional campaign, has made history with this appointment. Susie Wiles becomes the first woman to hold the office of chief of staff. With 50 years of experience in Republican politics, including roles in campaigns for Ronald Reagan and Gov. Ron DeSantis, Wiles is very familiar with what it takes to thrive in the political arena. Described as “tough, intelligent, and innovative,” her calm and composed demeanor has earned her the nickname “Ice Maiden,” a term Trump affectionately uses. Even before her official nomination, Wiles made it clear to Trump that she would only accept the position if granted more authority than is traditionally afforded to the chief of staff. Trump’s willingness to meet this request reflects the high level of respect and trust he has in her abilities.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy – Stephen Miller

Stephen Miller is returning to the White House for a second term alongside President-elect Trump. During his previous time in the administration, Miller served as a senior advisor and was a staunch advocate for Trump’s often controversial immigration policies, most notably his support for the Zero Tolerance Family Separation Policy. After leaving the White House, Miller founded America First Legal, a conservative nonprofit legal organization credited with challenging many of the Biden administration’s initiatives.

National Security Adviser – Mike Waltz

A veteran Green Beret with service in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, Mike Waltz appears to be an ideal candidate for the position. His tough stance on affairs with China and Iran aligns with Trump’s hardline approach to trade and human rights issues in these regions. However, Mike Waltz may pose a challenge toTrump and his stance on NATO. While Trump has mentioned seceding from NATO, Waltz not only disagrees with this stance, but calls for European nations to boost their NATO contributions. Waltz has served on the House China Task Force as well as the Intelligence Committee.

UN Ambassador – Nominee Elise Stefanik

A representative from New York and chair of the House Republican Conference, Elise Stefanik has shown unwavering loyalty to President-elect Trump. A vocal and firm supporter during the impeachment trials and the contesting of the 2020 election results, she shares Trump’s strong criticism of the UN’s stance on Iran. 

“Border Czar” – Tom Homan

Another loyalist returning for a second term, Tom Homan will oversee security at the North and South borders, as well as maritime and aviation security. With extensive experience as a retired police officer and former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from January 2017 to June 2018, Homan played a key role in shaping Trump’s immigration policies. His most notable contribution during his first term was as one of the architects of the controversial Zero Tolerance Child Separation Policy.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Nominee Lee Zeldin

The former Republican congressman from New York and loyal supporter of Trump during the impeachment trials, nominee Lee Zeldin, is known for his strong conservative views on energy and environmental policy. Seldin has been a vocal advocate for expanding domestic energy production and loosening environmental, safety, labor or tax regulations to allow businesses to thrive and operate more efficiently. This commitment to rolling back certain environmental regulations and prioritizing economic growth will bring critics of those who oppose his approach to climate change and environmental protection.

Secretary of State – Nominee Marco Rubio

President-elect Trump’s nomination of Marco Rubio for secretary of state has come as a surprise to many. Rubio has been critical of Trump on several occasions, particularly during the early stages of Trump’s first term as president. He challenged Trump on issues like immigration reform, foreign policy, and most notably his divisive political style. He does, however, bring a strong resume when it comes to U.S. foreign policy. As a top Republican member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, he has long been known for outspoken criticism of both Cuba’s regime and Venezuela’s leadership. He supports stronger sanctions and a tougher stance on human rights violations in these areas. His firm stance on issues like human rights and international trade may create tensions with more moderate constituents.

Ambassador to Israel – Nominee Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas known for his strong evangelical Christian views, has always displayed an unwavering support for Israel. Throughout his career, he has been a vocal defender of Israel’s right to exist and its security, making him a likely ally of Israeli leaders.

CIA Director – Nominee John Ratcliffe

The former U.S. representative from Texas and director of national Intelligence (DNI) is known for his staunch support of President-elect Trump’s policies. With a deep background in intelligence and national security, Ratcliffe would bring extensive experience in counterterrorism, cyber threats and foreign intelligence operations to the role. As DNI, he oversaw the U.S. intelligence community and played a key role in shaping U.S. intelligence priorities. In a role like CIA director, where impartiality is critical for effective gathering and analysis, there are concerns that Ratcliffe’s alignment with President-elect Trump could lead to decisions that prioritize political objectives over national security.

Homeland Security Secretary – Nominee Kristi Noem

This is arguably one of the most controversial Cabinet picks for Trump thus far. North Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, while known for her strong conservative views, has been the subject of several high-profile controversies, including her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her lack of federal experience. However, perhaps the most publicized of these controversies involves her decision to euthanize her dog, which she deemed “untrainable,” as well as the accusations of falsehoods in her book when it came to meeting North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un. These issues have garnered significant attention and sparked debate about her leadership and credibility.

Special Envoy to the Middle East – Nominee Steven C. Witkoff

Steven C. Witkoff is a prominent real estate developer and financier known for his business acumen and connections within the Trump administration. Witkoff could bring a unique perspective to U.S. diplomacy in the region. While he lacks a traditional diplomatic or foreign policy background, his experience in international business and his ties to key figures both in the U.S. and the Middle East may allow him to play a pivotal role in advancing U.S. interests in the region.

White House Counsel – William McGinley

William McGinley, a former White House lawyer during Trump’s first administration, has once again been named as a candidate for White House counsel. McGinley served as associate counsel to the president and deputy general counsel at the Department of Homeland Security. His background includes working on regulatory issues, policy implementation, and legal matters related to national security. Known for his work with the Trump administration, McGinley has a reputation for aligning with Trump’s stance in areas like immigration and deregulation.

Secretary of Defense – Pete Hegseth

A former U.S. Army officer and Fox News personality, Pete Hegseth, is known for his outspoken conservative views, particularly on military and veterans’ issues and his staunch support for a strong U.S. military presence around the world. While his background is more in media and military service than in political or defense leadership roles, his experience in national security issues and advocacy for a strong military will bring a fresh perspective to the office.  

Department of Government Efficiency – Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy

Although this office does not currently exist, Trump has decided to appoint both Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as potential joint candidates. Musk’s expertise in technology and innovation and Ramaswamy’s focus on regulatory reform and transparency is a powerful combination that could drive transformative change in both the private sector and government policy. The goal of the office would be to reduce bureaucratic red tape, improve government services, and foster a more responsive government using modern technology and data-driven strategies.

Director of National Intelligence – Nominee Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard, best known for her outspoken foreign policy views, has faced questions about her political party loyalty throughout her career. Serving as a U.S. representative from Hawaii from 2013 to 2021, she was initially aligned with the Democratic Party. However, citing dissatisfaction with the party's direction, she left the Democrats in 2022 and adopted a more conservative stance on several issues. This shift has raised concerns about her ability to remain nonpartisan, a key requirement for the role of Director of National Intelligence. In addition to her political career, Gabbard has a distinguished military background, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and serving in the Hawaii National Guard.

Attorney General – Nominee Matt Gaetz

Matt Gaetz is a Republican congressman representing Florida's 1st congressional district since 2017. Known for his strong conservative stance and vocal support for former President Donald Trump, Gaetz has been a prominent figure in U.S. politics, particularly on issues related to immigration, law enforcement, and the judiciary. Gaetz's political career has been focused on legislative work, and he is a key member of the House Judiciary Committee. He has also faced personal and legal controversies, which have brought additional attention to his political actions.

Department of Health and Human Services – Nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (RFK Jr.)

The son of former U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, RFK, Jr. has emerged as a prominent environmental lawyer and activist. Known for his advocacy on environmental protection, particularly through his work with the nonprofit Waterkeeper Alliance, he has been a vocal critic of corporate pollution and environmental degradation. His name has also been associated with controversial stances on vaccine safety, which has led to both significant support and criticism. Advocates point to his commitment to public health through environmental causes, while critics highlight his controversial positions on vaccines and public health policies. His nomination to HHS would likely raise discussions about balancing his advocacy with the department's responsibilities in managing public health and scientific integrity.

Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees for his second term reflect a strategic blend of loyalty, experience, and alignment with his policy priorities. Many of the individuals selected have a strong track record of supporting Trump’s “America First” agenda, particularly in areas like national security, economic policy, and foreign relations. While some nominees, such as those with backgrounds in business or media, may lack traditional political or diplomatic experience, they bring fresh perspectives and a commitment to reforming government processes. However, the administration's choices have not been without controversy, with concerns over potential conflicts of interest, political bias, and the prioritization of loyalty over broader expertise. Despite these challenges, the overarching goal of Trump's Cabinet appointments is clear: to continue advancing his vision for the country while reinforcing his base of support.