As Donald Trump prepares for a potential return to the White House, he is assembling a diverse team of allies, firebrands, and experienced stalwarts to take up top roles in his administration. From controversial figures to loyalists and even some unconventional picks, this roster reflects Trump’s signature style.
Here’s a breakdown of the key appointments in Trump’s prospective cabinet:
Health Secretary: RFK Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic and member of the renowned Kennedy family, has been named Trump’s pick for Health Secretary.
- Background: Kennedy is a conspiracy theorist who has long promoted the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.
- Key Role: Overseeing the U.S. public health system alongside Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor and former surgeon tasked with managing federal health insurance programs.
Attorney General: Pam Bondi
Pam Bondi, Florida’s former Attorney General (2011–2019), is Trump’s choice for Attorney General, following Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration amid scandal.
- Trump Connection: Bondi was a key figure in defending Trump during his first impeachment trial.
- Experience: Known for her strong stance on human trafficking and her litigation against opioid manufacturers.
Department of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy
Tech billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are slated to lead this newly proposed department.
- Mission: Musk has pledged to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget, testing legal boundaries to streamline government spending.
- Unique Status: Both will remain private citizens while serving in these advisory roles.
Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
Senator Marco Rubio, a long-standing critic of authoritarian regimes and advocate for strong U.S. foreign policy, has been nominated as Secretary of State.
- Foreign Policy Focus: Rubio is a staunch Israel supporter and a key voice on the U.S.-China power struggle.
- Background: A Cuban-American senator with significant experience in international relations.
Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth
Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth has been named Trump’s pick to head the Pentagon.
- Controversy: Despite limited defense experience, Hegseth’s nomination raises eyebrows due to his Fox News affiliation and past allegations of misconduct.
- Responsibility: Overseeing the vast U.S. military apparatus, including its 2.9 million personnel.
Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard
Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now a Trump ally, has been tapped for the Director of National Intelligence position.
- Controversial Stance: Gabbard’s support of Kremlin justifications for the Ukraine invasion and her meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad have drawn widespread criticism.
Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi Noem
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is Trump’s pick for Homeland Security, taking charge of immigration enforcement and deportation efforts.
- Notable Moment: Noem’s claim of shooting an “untrainable” pet dog as a metaphor for tough decision-making has garnered media attention.
- Key Allies: Tom Homan and Stephen Miller will assist in border enforcement roles.
Education Secretary: Linda McMahon
Former wrestling executive and Trump donor Linda McMahon has been chosen to head the Department of Education.
- Agenda: Trump plans to abolish the department, shifting control of education policy back to the states.
Interior Secretary: Doug Burgum
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will oversee federal lands and natural resources.
- Energy Focus: Burgum will also lead the newly proposed National Energy Council, with an emphasis on expanding fossil fuel production.
Other Key Appointments
- Energy Secretary: Fracking magnate Chris Wright
- Commerce Secretary: Wall Street investor Howard Lutnick
- Transportation Secretary: Fox News host Sean Duffy
- Veterans Affairs Secretary: Former congressman Doug Collins
- CIA Director: Ex-Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe
- National Security Advisor: Army colonel and congressman Mike Waltz
- EPA Administrator: Former congressman Lee Zeldin
- FCC Chair: Big Tech critic Brendan Carr
- UN Ambassador: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
- NATO Ambassador: Matthew Whitaker, former acting Attorney General
- Ambassador to Israel: Former Governor Mike Huckabee
- White House Chief of Staff: Trump campaign manager Susie Wiles
- White House Press Secretary: Karoline Leavitt
