In a series of surprising late-night announcements on Friday, President-elect Donald Trump unveiled his picks for several critical roles in his upcoming administration. The selections, which include controversial figures and Fox News personalities, provide further insight into Trump’s governing priorities and style as he prepares to take office in January.
Treasury Secretary: Scott Bessent
For the powerful position of Treasury Secretary, Trump has tapped hedge fund investor Scott Bessent. If confirmed, Bessent would become the nation’s first openly gay Treasury Secretary. He has advocated for tax reform and deregulation to spur bank lending and energy production. Bessent told Bloomberg in August that mounting U.S. debt influenced his decision to join Trump’s campaign.
OMB Director: Russ Vought
Russ Vought, who served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during Trump’s previous term, has been chosen to reprise the role. The OMB helps set the president’s policy and budget priorities. Since leaving office, Vought has been deeply involved in Project 2025, the conservative blueprint for Trump’s potential second term. Trump praised Vought as a “cost-cutter” and touted their prior success in cutting regulations.
Deputy Assistant to the President: Sebastian Gorka
In a move likely to generate controversy, Trump is bringing back Sebastian Gorka, a former Breitbart writer and longtime far-right Trump supporter. Gorka previously served as Deputy Assistant to the President but was ousted in 2017. His responsibilities were vague, though he frequently appeared on cable news as a bombastic Trump surrogate during his tenure.
Labor Secretary: Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Trump’s nominee for Labor Secretary is Oregon Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who narrowly lost her House re-election bid in November. The pick comes as a surprise, but Chavez-DeRemer had strong union backing in her district and endorsed the PRO Act to strengthen workers’ organizing rights. If confirmed, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, budget, and priorities impacting wages, safety, unions, and employers’ rights.
Other Key Appointments
- Surgeon General: Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Fox News contributor and author
- Deputy National Security Adviser: Alex Wong, former State Dept official
- FDA Commissioner: Dr. Marty Makary, Johns Hopkins surgeon and writer
- HUD Secretary: Scott Turner, ex-NFL player and former Trump aide
- CDC Director: Dave Weldon, former congressman and physician
The CDC Director role will require Senate confirmation starting in 2025 due to a provision in the recent budget bill. The position reports to the Health Secretary – a job for which Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for controversial anti-vaccine views.
Trump is surrounding himself with friends, loyalists, and those he sees on Fox News. Qualifications seem secondary to personal ties and ideology.
– Senior GOP strategist who requested anonymity
While some selections like Bessent and Chavez-DeRemer have relevant backgrounds, critics argue that Trump is prioritizing allegiance over competence with picks like Gorka and Kennedy. The president-elect’s penchant for TV personalities is also on display, with multiple Fox News figures landing administration roles.
As Trump rounds out his roster of top officials, a pattern has emerged of rewarding loyalists, tapping conservative media stars, and provoking controversy with unconventional picks for serious posts. With a closely divided Senate, confirmation battles loom on the horizon. The choices shed light on the tone and priorities of the incoming Trump administration as the president-elect puts his stamp on the government even before taking office.
