As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to retake the White House in January, all eyes are on who will join him in key roles to shape and execute his “America First” agenda. Trump has begun rolling out selections for his cabinet and senior staff, featuring a mix of loyalists, conservative firebrands, and a few unconventional picks.
Architects of MAGA Return
Many of the early announcements represent a reunion of the band that defined Trump’s turbulent first term. Allies who stood by Trump through the Russia investigation, two impeachments, and ongoing legal battles are being rewarded with some of the most influential posts.
Stephen Miller, the immigration hardliner behind Trump’s travel ban and family separation policy, is slated to serve as deputy chief of staff for policy. In an expanded role, he is expected to drive the administration’s renewed push for stricter immigration controls and mass deportations.
There may be no one more capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again.
President-elect Donald Trump on his HHS pick
Mixing Controversial and Unconventional
Some choices are raising eyebrows for their lack of relevant experience or controversial views. TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, tapped to lead Medicaid and Medicare, has promoted questionable health claims. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for anti-vaccine activism, will oversee the sprawling Department of Health and Human Services.
In an unexpected move, Trump named Democratic defector Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. The pick rewards Gabbard for endorsing Trump over her own party’s nominee. But it places the delicate work of overseeing 18 intelligence agencies in the hands of a relative novice.
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America is facing a healthcare Crisis, and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again. He will work closely with RFK Jr. to take on Big Pharma & the sickness industry!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 20, 2024
Close Confidants Gain Clout
Meanwhile, Trump is elevating his most trusted advisors to positions of immense power. Political strategist Susie Wiles will serve as chief of staff, becoming the first woman in that role. She’s seen as a potential stabilizing force for the often chaotic Trump White House.
Sergio Gor, who led Trump’s main Super PAC, will control the flow of personnel across the executive branch. Longtime friends like real estate mogul Steven Witkoff (Middle East envoy) and Howard Lutnick (Commerce) also landed key posts.
As more positions are filled in the coming weeks, a clear picture is emerging – Trump is stacking his administration with unflinching loyalists determined to see his disruptive vision realized. With fewer “adults in the room” to constrain him this time, an empowered Trump is poised to launch his final term with a tight-knit team that won’t hesitate to execute his will.
He’s going to head the Department of Interior, and it’s going to be fantastic.
Trump introducing Interior Secretary pick Doug Burgum
The road ahead won’t be a smooth one. Many of Trump’s nominees will face tough confirmation battles in a narrowly divided Senate. Democrats are sounding the alarm over nominees they deem unqualified or extreme. But if Trump succeeds in installing his favored personnel, he’ll have a battle-tested crew in place to charge ahead with his “Make America Great Again” mission from day one.
