Trump’s Cabinet: Here Are His Picks And Finalists For White House Roles—Marco Rubio, Stephen Miller And More

Forbes

Secretary Of State: Likely Marco Rubio Trump is likely to pick Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as his secretary of state, according to multiple reports.
Rubio said prior to the election he believed a Trump administration would broker “a negotiated settlement” to end the war in Ukraine.
Deputy Chief Of Staff For Policy: Stephen Miller Trump is expected to announce Stephen Miller for the White House position in the coming days, multiple outlets reported Monday.
Musk, who has been spotted on numerous occasions at Mar-A-Lago since his election, is among those who appear to be influencing Trump’s policy and personnel decisions.
Further Reading What We Know About Trump’s Potential Cabinet—With RFK Jr. And Elon Musk Among The Candidates (Forbes) Who Will Help Shape Trump’s Policy Agenda?

POSITIVE

Topline.

In the days following his election victory, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed a number of people to high-level positions in his administration, including some of his most ardent supporters and supporters, while others are vying for the remaining cabinet posts.

Key Facts.

Marco Rubio is probably going to be the secretary of state.

Sen is likely to be Trump’s choice. Rubio Marco, R-Fla. reportedly as his secretary of state. CNN reports that Trump turned his attention to Rubio after first favoring former acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell for the position, and the New York Times speculates that Trump may change his mind. With a reputation as a foreign policy hawk who supports tough stances against China and Iran, Rubio is a well-known Republican who was reportedly one of the finalists for Trump’s running mate selection. Before the election, Rubio expressed his belief that a Trump administration would mediate “a negotiated settlement” to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine. In the 2016 GOP presidential primary, Rubio and Trump were fierce competitors who frequently clashed angrily, but their relationship has since improved.

Mike Waltz is the National Security Advisor.

Trump has questioned Rep. Waltz, Mike, R-Fla. The Wall Street Journal and CNN reported that he hired him to be his national security adviser. Waltz, a former Army Green Beret, has spoken out against China on multiple occasions in recent months, called on NATO members to increase defense spending, and stated that he expects Trump to pressure Russia and Ukraine to reach a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Ukraine.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: Lee Zeldin.

On Monday, Trump declared he had appointed former Rep. Zeldin Lee, R-N. Yep. appointed him to head the EPA, describing him as “a true fighter for America First policies” and pointing to his “very strong legal background.”. The statement said that Zeldin, a Trump supporter who was a candidate for governor of New York two years prior, “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American business while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards.”.

Stephen Miller is the policies deputy chief of staff.

Several media outlets said Monday that Trump is anticipated to name Stephen Miller as the White House nominee in the next few days. During Trump’s first term, Miller served as a top advisor and helped create some of his most divisive immigration policies, such as his family separation program.

Tom Homan, border czar.

Trump announced on Monday that he had appointed Tom Homan, his former director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to the position. Trump has plans to deport a large number of undocumented migrants during his second term.

I am Elise Stefanik, Ambassador.

On Sunday, Trump declared that he would nominate Rep. Stefanik Elise, R-N. Yep. for the position of ambassador to the UN, and she informed the New York Post that she had accepted the offer.

Susie Wiles is the personnel chief.

Trump’s first significant administrative appointment came two days after he won the election: he named Susie Wiles, his campaign co-manager, chief of staff. Wiles is the first woman to occupy the role.

secretary of homeland security.

Trump has chosen the governor of South Dakota. Using two unidentified sources, CNN reported early on Tuesday that Kristi Noem was appointed secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem is a longtime Trump supporter and was thought to be on his shortlist for vice president, though no formal announcement has been made. The appointment will be crucial to implementing Trump’s ambitious immigration policies as well as the agency’s responsibilities in cybersecurity, emergency response, and counterterrorism.

Attorney General.

It is anticipated that Trump will reorganize the Department of Justice and appoint political loyalists to the position, who may obfuscate the distinction between the executive branch and the department by pursuing Trump’s desires to bring charges against his political rivals. Sen. . R-Utah, R-Mo, Mike Lee. Some of the names frequently suggested for AG in media reports include former Trump Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and former administration attorney Mark Paoletta. A proposed personnel roster that Trump’s team has circulated includes Federal Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed the DOJ’s case against him over classified documents, according to an ABC News story from last month that cited anonymous sources. Trump adviser Kash Patel has been the subject of rumors that he might be named AG. Trump praised Patel’s book “Government Gangsters” as a “roadmap to end the Deep State’s reign” and previously stated that he would assist in creating a “blueprint” for his next administration. “”.

The Treasury Secretary.

Sen. Hagerty, R-Tenn. is on the speculative short list for this position. He was Trump’s previous ambassador to Japan. Other candidates include former Trump U.S. President Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s transition team, and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. S. Billionaire John Paulson, Scott Bessent, who recently spoke with Forbes, and trade representative Robert Lighthizer. According to Reuters on Friday, which cited anonymous sources, Trump has the latter two at the top of his list. Reuters and Bloomberg reported that Bessent met with Trump at Mar-A-Lago on Friday; however, Bloomberg used individuals with knowledge of the procedure to claim that the meeting was not a job interview. According to Bloomberg, which cited anonymous sources on Monday, Trump is expected to reduce his field of contenders by the end of the week and is leaning toward someone with Wall Street experience.

secretary of defense.

Trump’s White House team has reached out to Rep. R-Ala Mike Rogers. regarding the position, Fox News said on Friday, according to a source who was aware of the talks.

Energy Secretary.

Governor of North Dakota. and Doug Burgum, a former presidential candidate, is regarded as a top pick. Burgum is said to have influenced Trump’s energy policy and acted as a liaison between Trump and oil executives during his campaign. According to the New York Times, Burgum might also be asked to act as Trump’s “energy czar,” a new role he intends to establish to coordinate policies across several agencies.

C. I… “A.”. In charge.

The Times claims that Patel, Waltz, and Ratcliffe are among the potential selections. Patel was put in as deputy C by Trump. Me. A. . director towards the end of his first term, but his intentions were foiled when Gina Haspel, the director at the time, threatened to quit in protest, according to Axios.

Secretary of Education.

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been mentioned by Trump for the position, and in a recent interview with Education Week, Betsy DeVos, the former head of the agency, stated that she would be open to taking on the role again. Trump has advocated for states to have authority over their public schools and for the department to be dismantled.

RfK Jr. and Elon Musk will. Furthermore, did Vivek Ramaswamy work for the Trump administration?

According to Trump, vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would have a significant influence on his administration’s health policy, stating to a crowd in Arizona earlier this month that Kennedy could do “anything he wants” and that he would “work on health and women’s health.”. Kennedy’s contentious plan to remove fluoride from public water was recently viewed favorably by Trump as well. Trump has suggested that Tesla CEO Elon Musk serve as the head of a new “government efficiency commission” and stated that Ramaswamy will be involved in his second term. “.”.

Tangent.

The former governor of South Carolina was excluded by Trump. An article on Truth Social over the weekend suggested Nikki Haley and his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as potential candidates for his second term. Pompeo was a possible choice for the position of defense secretary.

Important Background.

Trump is working with a number of right-wing organizations, his closest supporters, and billionaires to shape his agenda for the second term. One of the people who seems to be influencing Trump’s personnel and policy choices is Musk, who has been seen at Mar-A-Lago on multiple occasions since his election. Miller is anticipated to have a significant influence on the ultimate choices, according to the Times, which also stated that Lutnick is in charge of a group that recommends personnel selections and screens possible applicants. According to reports, Trump’s transition plans are primarily driven by the right-wing think tank America First Policy Institute, which has also been developing potential executive actions for Trump after he gains office. The group is headed by former Trump Domestic Policy Counsel Director Brook Rollins and chaired by former Trump Small Business Administration head Linda McMahon.

Additional reading.

Our Knowledge of Trump’s Possible Cabinet—With RFK Jr. And according to Forbes, Elon Musk is one of the contenders.

These Are The Main Players And Groups That Will Help Shape Trump’s Policy Agenda (Forbes).

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