President-elect Donald Trump has taken on a series of appointments days after winning the election, hiring some of his biggest defenders and loyalists for roles in the administration as others jockey for the remaining roles. The President-elect's team has already provided some clarity on those who won't make Trump's cabinet, stating that Haley and Pompeo won't be part of his administration.
Here are key figures to watch in Trump's new administration to help advance his America First Policies.
Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi Noem
The latest of Trump’s cabinet picks is South Dakota Gov Kristi Noem, and it’s for the role of secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, according to a Tuesday CNN report. Although there’s no official announcement to that effect, Noem is a long-time loyalist of Trump who many thought was a contender for Vice President. The office will be in charge of executing Trump’s anticipated aggressive immigration policies, in addition to other duties around cybersecurity, antiterrorism, and emergency response.
Potential Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
Trump appears likely to select Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla, as his Secretary of State, based on multiple reports. Rubio, a high-profile Republican, was among the finalists for Trump's running mate choice. He holds a reputation as a foreign policy hawk who favors tough approaches to US-China and US-Iran relations. Before Trump's election, Rubio said he believed a second regime for Trump would broker a "negotiated settlement" to end the war in Ukraine.
National Security Adviser: Mike Waltz
Trump has asked US Representative Mike Waltz, R-FL to serve as his national security adviser. Waltz, a former Army Green Beret, has often criticized China and urged NATO members to pay more for defense. He was also quoted saying he expects Trump to push Ukraine and Russia toward a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator: Lee Zeldin
Trump announced the selection of former US Representative Lee Zeldin, R-N-Y, to lead the EPA, citing his "solid legal background" and a "true fighter for America First policies" in a statement. Zeldin, who had been a Trump ally – ran for New York governor in 2022 – will reportedly 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."
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy: Stephen Miller
Multiple outlets reported that Trump is expected to announce Stephen Miller for the White House position in the coming days. Miller was a senior adviser to the President-elect during his first administration and one of the brains behind some of his most controversial immigration policies, including the family separation program.
Border Czar: Tom Homan
Trump has appointed his former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan as the Border Czar, according to an official announcement on Monday. Trump has declared plans to execute mass deportation of undocumented migrants during his second tenure, and Homan is expected to be at the vanguard of those activities.
UN Ambassador: Elise Stefanik
Trump announced on Sunday he'd nominate GOP Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., for the United Nations ambassador role. Stefanik has reportedly accepted the offer and is set to represent the United States' interest at the United Nations.
Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles
Trump's Chief of Staff is Susie Wiles. Wiles was his campaign co-manager and got elected two days following his election win. She was Trump's first major administrative pick and bears the expectations of many as someone who could hopefully instill discipline and order – two virtues Trump's first administration fell short of. Wiles will also be the first woman to hold the office.
Attorney General Nominees
Trump is expected to overhaul the Department of Justice and fill it with political loyalists who could dim the lines of independence between the executive and judiciary arms towards possibly prosecuting the President-elect's political enemies. John Ratcliffe, former Trump Director of National Intelligence, Sen Mike Lee, R-Utah, R-Mo., and former administration lawyer Mark Paoletta are some names suggested for the role of US Attorney General, per media reports.
There was also speculation that Trump adviser Kash Patel could get an appointment for the role. The President-elect has previously said that Patel would help create a "blueprint" for his next administration, lauding his book "Government Gangsters" as a "roadmap to end the Deep State's reign."
Treasury Secretary
Senator Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn, former ambassador to Japan under Trump, is a contender for this role. Others on the speculative shortlist include Trump’s transition team co-chair Howard Lutnick, former Trump US trade representative Robert Lighthizer, John Paulson, and Scott Bessent. The latter two are reportedly at the top of Trump’s list, per a Reuters report on Friday, citing unnamed sources.
Defense Secretary
Trump's team has reportedly contacted House Armed Services Chari Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala, about the role, per a Fox News report. The report cited a source familiar with the situation.
Energy Secretary
North Dakota Governor and former presidential candidate Doug Burgum is considered a top potential pick. Burgum served as a liaison between Trump and oil executives during his campaign and has reportedly helped shape Trump’s energy policies. Burgum could also get selected to serve as Trump’s “energy czar,” a new position Trump plans to create to coordinate policies that span multiple agencies.
CIA Director
Ratcliffe, Waltz, and Patel are among the possible picks for this role. Trump reportedly attempted to install Patel as deputy CIA director at the end of his first term, but his plans were thwarted when then-Director Gina Haspel threatened to resign in protest.
Education Secretary
Trump's administration in 2024 will have former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for the role of Education Secretary. Meanwhile, former leader for the education agency, Betsy DeVos admitted she would be willing to return to the role in a recent interview with Education Week. Trump has suggested a dismantling of the department at the federal level so states can obtain control over their public schools.
Final Thoughts
While the coming days and weeks will see much more clarifications and nominations, a significant portion of key figures in Trump’s administration are in place. It remains to see whether intriguing personalities like Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Vivek Ramaswamy would make it to Trump’s 2024 White House Team.