In a series of highly anticipated announcements on Tuesday evening, President-elect Donald Trump revealed his selections for several crucial posts in his upcoming administration. The appointments, which include the US trade representative, deputy secretary of health and human services, and the head of the national economic council, provide key insights into the direction and priorities of the Trump White House.
Jamieson Greer Tapped for US Trade Representative Role
Perhaps the most notable pick is Jamieson Greer, an attorney who previously served under Robert Lighthizer, Trump’s trade representative during his first term. Greer, who played an instrumental role in the administration’s tough stance on China and the renegotiation of NAFTA, is expected to continue pursuing an “America First” trade agenda.
“Jamieson played a key role during my First Term in imposing Tariffs on China and others to combat unfair Trade practices, and replacing the failed NAFTA deal with USMCA, therefore making it much better for American Workers,” Trump stated in his announcement.
– President-elect Donald Trump
If confirmed by the Senate, Greer will be tasked with not only reining in the trade deficit but also opening up “export markets everywhere,” according to Trump. This suggests that while the administration may maintain a hardline approach to trade partners like China, it could also seek to expand opportunities for American businesses abroad.
Jim O’Neill to Serve as Deputy Health Secretary
On the health front, Trump has selected Jim O’Neill to serve as deputy secretary under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services. O’Neill, who worked in the department during the George W. Bush administration, has more recently been known for his investments in Silicon Valley alongside PayPal CEO Peter Thiel.
Thiel, an adviser to Trump during his first term, reportedly encouraged the president-elect to nominate O’Neill for a high-level health position. However, O’Neill’s views on the FDA’s drug approval process have raised some eyebrows. In a 2014 speech, he argued that the FDA should approve drugs based on safety alone, allowing efficacy to be proven after they hit the market.
“[The FDA should] approve drugs after their sponsors have demonstrated safety, and let people start using them at their own risk,” O’Neill stated, adding that drugmakers could “prove efficacy after they’ve been legalized.”
– Jim O’Neill, 2014 speech
Stanford’s Bhattacharya Nominated to Lead NIH
Another notable health-related pick is Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford physician and academic, who Trump has nominated to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya gained prominence as a vocal critic of the government’s pandemic response, publishing the controversial Great Barrington Declaration in October 2020, which called for a return to normalcy for those at lower risk from Covid-19.
Bhattacharya later sued the government, claiming it had pressured social media companies to censor his views. His nomination suggests that the Trump administration may take a markedly different approach to public health crises compared to its predecessor.
Familiar Faces Return to Key Economic Posts
On the economic front, Trump is turning to some familiar faces. Kevin Hassett, who chaired the Council of Economic Advisers during Trump’s first term, will now lead the National Economic Council. In his announcement, Trump praised Hassett’s role in designing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“Together, we will renew and improve our record Tax Cuts, and ensure that we have Fair Trade with Countries that have taken advantage of the United States in the past,” Trump stated.
– President-elect Donald Trump
Vince Haley, who led Trump’s speechwriting team during his first term, has been tapped to head the Domestic Policy Council. In this role, he will be responsible for driving the implementation of the administration’s domestic agenda.
Rounding Out the Roster
Other notable appointments include John Phelan, co-founder of MSD Capital, who will serve as Navy Secretary. While Phelan’s nomination may seem unconventional given his background in finance, it aligns with Trump’s penchant for tapping private sector leaders for government roles.
As Trump’s cabinet takes shape, these selections provide a roadmap of sorts for the policy priorities and approaches we can expect from his administration. From a muscular trade agenda to a rethinking of public health strategy to a doubling down on tax cuts, the second Trump White House appears poised to chart a bold – and likely controversial – course over the next four years.
Of course, these nominees must still face confirmation hearings in the Senate, where Democrats are sure to raise tough questions and concerns. But with Republicans holding a slim majority in the upper chamber, it appears likely that Trump will ultimately get his team in place.
As the nation prepares for a transition of power unlike any in recent memory, all eyes will be on these key figures to see how they shape America’s future – for better or for worse.
