WASHINGTON: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has made his first appointment for his second term, selecting a chief of staff. Additional top roles will be finalized in the coming days and weeks, according to his transition team.
Jason Miller, a senior Trump aide, said in an interview with Fox Business, “We’ll see both familiar faces from his first term and some new people stepping in.” Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, and Howard Lutnick, the founder of Cantor Fitzgerald, are leading the transition efforts.
Here’s a look at some of Trump’s close allies vying for key positions:
Chief of Staff:
Susie Wiles, who led Trump’s campaign, is expected to take on the chief of staff role. Wiles enjoys significant support within the Trump team. She was even called up on stage by the president-elect during his victory speech.
“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and respected by everyone,” Trump said about the 67-year-old Florida native. Wiles would make history as the first woman to hold this influential position.
Attorney General:
With Trump’s aggressive plans for mass deportations and his ongoing legal battles, the attorney general position will be crucial. The role will be one of the administration’s most demanding. Key candidates include Republican Senators Mike Lee, Eric Schmitt, and John Ratcliffe, Trump’s former Director of National Intelligence, according to The Washington Post.
Secretary of State:
The next Secretary of State will be responsible for reshaping U.S. foreign policy, likely leading to major shifts in global alliances. Ric Grenell, a former ambassador to Germany and acting Director of National Intelligence, is a prominent contender. Known for his blunt approach, Grenell has been a strong ally of Trump.
In a recent podcast, Grenell said, “If you want to avoid war, you better have a son of a bitch as the secretary of state.”
Alternatively, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was considered as Trump’s 2020 running mate, may also be considered for the role.
Defense Secretary & CIA Director:
The world will be watching the nominations for these key positions. Kash Patel, a former senior official and author of a book about the “deep state,” is being considered for CIA Director. Meanwhile, Texas Senator John Ratcliffe, known for his staunch conservative views, is another potential nominee for the role.
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, who faced controversy for suggesting that troops be deployed against protesters in 2020, has ruled himself out for defense secretary.
Treasury Secretary:
Billionaire hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, a key Trump donor and advisor, is reportedly a leading candidate for Treasury Secretary. Bessent would oversee the administration’s economic agenda, which focuses on tax cuts, deregulation, and trade protectionism.
John Paulson, another billionaire hedge fund manager and Trump advisor, is also under consideration for a top economic role.
Department of Government Efficiency – “DOGE”:
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a Trump ally, is expected to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency.” The department aims to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. Musk’s reputation for a no-nonsense approach suggests he will drive major reforms, though the exact details of the cuts remain unclear.
Other Potential Nominees:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine skeptic and the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, has been promised a “big role” within the administration. Trump has suggested that Kennedy may help reshape health policy.
Other potential nominees include former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who switched her allegiance to the Republican Party, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
