President-elect Donald Trump has begun appointing officials to top positions in his incoming administration, signaling a departure from the internal strife that marked his first term. This time, Trump is leaning heavily on loyalists to shape his government, even as some of his selections face the prospect of contentious Senate confirmation battles.
Cabinet Appointments
Treasury Secretary: Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent, a 62-year-old hedge fund manager and advocate for deficit reduction, is Trump’s pick for Treasury Secretary. Known for his previous work with billionaire investor George Soros, Bessent would be the first openly gay person to hold the position if confirmed. He has pledged to address the national debt by cutting government spending, an agenda he believes is critical to the country’s fiscal future.
Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, once a sharp critic of Trump, has been tapped as Secretary of State. Rubio, 53, is known for his hawkish stances on China, Cuba, and Iran. A former rival during the 2016 Republican primary, Rubio has since become a strong supporter of Trump’s foreign policy, aligning with the president-elect’s hardline immigration and military proposals.
Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth
Fox News contributor and former Army National Guard officer Pete Hegseth is Trump’s choice for Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, 44, has been a vocal supporter of Trump but lacks senior military leadership experience. His appointment comes as global tensions rise, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Attorney General: Pam Bondi
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, 59, has been selected to head the Department of Justice after Gaetz’s withdrawal. A staunch Trump ally, Bondi has previously defended him during his first impeachment trial and has been a key figure in the America First Policy Institute.
Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard
Ex-Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat who endorsed Trump in 2024, will lead the U.S. intelligence community. Gabbard, 43, brings military experience but faces criticism for past remarks seen as echoing Russian propaganda.
Labor Secretary: Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Former Oregon Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican with union support, will oversee the Labor Department. Her stance on the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act suggests she may take a pro-union approach uncommon among Republicans.
Health and Human Services Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure known for his anti-vaccine rhetoric, has been nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Despite alarm from public health experts, Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump during the 2024 campaign cemented his place in the administration.
Commerce Secretary: Howard Lutnick
Trump has tapped Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency advocate, as Commerce Secretary. Lutnick will be key in advancing Trump’s protectionist trade policies, including the enforcement of tariffs.
Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi Noem
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a conservative rising star, is set to head the Department of Homeland Security. Known for her resistance to COVID-19 restrictions, Noem will be central to Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda.
Education Secretary: Linda McMahon
Former wrestling executive and Trump ally Linda McMahon will return to his Cabinet, this time as Secretary of Education. McMahon has expressed support for school choice and charter schools.
Ambassadors and Special Envoys
U.N. Ambassador: Elise Stefanik
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, one of Trump’s most vocal defenders in Congress, will represent the U.S. at the United Nations.
Middle East Envoy: Steven Witkoff
Steven Witkoff, a real estate developer and Trump confidant, will lead the administration’s Middle East diplomacy efforts.
Ambassador to Israel: Mike Huckabee
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a strong supporter of Israel, will serve as U.S. Ambassador to the country amid ongoing regional conflicts.
As Trump’s appointments take shape, his focus on loyalty and alignment with his agenda reflects a concerted effort to avoid the internal divisions of his first administration. However, many of his picks, particularly those with limited experience or controversial pasts, are expected to face tough scrutiny in the Senate.