As Donald Trump prepares to retake the reins of power in January, speculation is running rampant about who will fill the key positions in his new administration. While the president-elect has yet to engage in formal discussions regarding his cabinet, several names have emerged as top contenders for crucial roles. From loyal allies to a few surprising candidates, Trump’s inner circle could be in for a shakeup.
Elon Musk: Tech Titan Seeking Influence
Perhaps the most unexpected name to surface in the cabinet speculation is that of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who holds billions in federal contracts, reportedly seeks a role overseeing the regulators that govern his companies. While Trump has seemingly ruled out a cabinet position for Musk, he has expressed interest in giving the tech magnate an unspecified role in his administration. Musk himself has proposed establishing a new Department of Government Efficiency.
Mike Pompeo: Loyal Ally Poised for Promotion
Mike Pompeo, who served as CIA director and secretary of state under Trump, is widely considered a key contender for a top role in the new administration. A staunch supporter of Israel and vocal critic of Iran, Pompeo chose not to challenge his former boss for the Republican nomination. Insiders suggest he could reprise his role as secretary of state or potentially take the helm at the Department of Defense.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Controversial Pick for Health Role
In a surprising twist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of JFK and son of the late Bobby Kennedy, believes he has a shot at a role in Trump’s cabinet after endorsing the Republican nominee. The environmental activist and vaccine skeptic, whose independent presidential bid has garnered up to 10% in some polls, has been mentioned as a possible pick for a health-related position. However, senior Trump campaign officials have dismissed the idea of Kennedy leading the Department of Health.
“If Bobby [Kennedy] makes it to the White House with us, I’ll let him go wild on the FDA and CDC. He can do what he wants with women’s healthcare too,” Trump reportedly said, according to a source close to the campaign.
Richard Grenell: Shaping Foreign Policy
Former US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, a vocal advocate of Trump’s America First doctrine, is likely in the running for secretary of state or other high-level foreign policy and national security posts. Grenell, who served as acting director of national intelligence in Trump’s first term, has advocated for establishing an autonomous zone in eastern Ukraine to end the war there, a position Kyiv considers unacceptable.
Familiar Faces and Rising Stars
Several other notable figures are being floated for key roles:
- Tom Cotton, the far-right senator from Arkansas, is seen as a contender for secretary of defense.
- Retired neurosurgeon and former HUD secretary Ben Carson, an advocate for a national abortion ban, could return to lead the housing department.
- Scott Bessent, a Trump economic adviser and ally of JD Vance, may be tapped for a cabinet position, potentially treasury secretary.
- Congressman and former Green Beret Michael Waltz, known for his tough stance on China, is viewed as a candidate for defense secretary or secretary of state.
- US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, architect of Trump’s trade war with China, is almost certain to return, possibly reprising his previous role.
Key White House Roles Up for Grabs
The jockeying for White House staff positions has also begun in earnest. Former domestic policy adviser Brooke Rollins and campaign co-manager Susie Wiles are both seen as leading contenders for the chief of staff role. Immigration hardliner Stephen Miller, a senior adviser in Trump’s first term and architect of the travel ban, is expected to return and shape policy in a second Trump White House.
As the transition process unfolds, one thing is clear: loyalty and ideological alignment will be key factors in assembling Trump’s new team. But with a few wild cards in the mix, the next iteration of the Trump administration promises to be anything but predictable. Only time will tell who makes the final cut and how they will shape the direction of the country in the coming years.
