As President-elect Donald Trump works towards filling key posts in his second administration, and it’s shaping up much differently than his first, he is prioritising loyalists for top jobs.
During his first term, Trump was hindered by internal divisions within his administration. Now, he seems determined to reshape the federal government according to his vision. However, some of his appointments may encounter tough confirmation fights, even with Republicans holding a majority in the Senate.
Here are key people selected by Trump so far:
SECRETARY OF STATE: Marco Rubio
Trump has appointed Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his choice for Secretary of State, elevating the former critic-turned-ally to the role of top diplomat.
At 53, Rubio is a prominent hawk on issues concerning China, Cuba, and Iran. He was also a leading contender to be Trump’s vice-presidential running mate in the previous election. Currently, Rubio serves as vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Matt Gaetz
On Wednesday, Trump announced that he will nominate Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as his attorney general, selecting a staunch loyalist to serve as the nation’s top prosecutor.
DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Tulsi Gabbard
Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, another example of Trump prizing loyalty over experience.
Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party’s 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022.
She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall, and she’s been accused of echoing Russian propaganda.
DEFENCE SECRETARY: Pete Hegseth
Known to be anti-woke supporter, Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.
Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. He has two Bronze Stars. However, Hegseth lacks senior military and national security experience.
HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: Kristi Noem
Kristi Noem, a prominent conservative, leveraged her two terms as governor of South Dakota to rise to a key position in Republican politics.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem notably refrained from imposing the restrictions seen in other states, instead declaring South Dakota “open for business.”
CIA DIRECTOR: John Ratcliffe
Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term, leading the US government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY: Robert F. Kennedy Jr
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president first as a Democrat, then as an independent, before ultimately endorsing Trump. He is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, the Democratic icon assassinated during his own presidential campaign.
Kennedy’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services has raised concerns due to his controversial views on vaccines. He has long promoted the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism, sparking alarm among public health experts.
Veterans Affairs Secretary: Doug Collins
Doug Collins, a former Republican congressman from Georgia, is best known for his staunch defense of Trump during the first impeachment trial, which focused on the U.S. government’s involvement with Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 but was later acquitted by the Senate.
Interior Secretary: Doug Burgum
Doug Burgum, the two-term governor of North Dakota, has risen from relative obscurity to become a key Trump ally. He briefly ran for president during the 2024 Republican primaries and dropped out to endorse Trump. Burgum’s business acumen and executive experience made him a potential vice-presidential pick this summer. He has strong ties to the energy sector, particularly with CEOs in the industry.
Trump officially announced Burgum’s nomination while addressing a gala at Mar-a-Lago, signaling a formal statement to follow the next day. Burgum has expressed concerns about the deteriorating power grid in the U.S., warning that this could compromise national security and inflate energy costs.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator: Lee Zeldin
Lee Zeldin, a former U.S. House representative from New York, has limited experience in environmental policy but is a longtime Trump supporter. The 44-year-old has promised to restore U.S. energy dominance, revitalize the auto industry, and lead in AI innovation, while also pledging to protect clean air and water.
Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles
At 67, Susie Wiles served as a senior adviser and manager for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. With a deep background in Florida politics, she was instrumental in both Ron DeSantis’s first gubernatorial win and Trump’s victory over DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary.
National Security Adviser: Mike Waltz
A three-term Republican congressman and former Green Beret, Mike Waltz has extensive military experience, including multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is known for his hawkish stance on China and was an advocate for boycotting the 2022 Winter Olympics due to China’s human rights record.
Border Czar: Tom Homan
Tom Homan, 62, served as the head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump’s first administration. He is now tasked with executing the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. Homan has publicly stated his readiness to lead this effort, which aligns with Trump’s top priority of curbing illegal immigration.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy: Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller, known for his hardline stance on immigration, was a senior adviser during Trump’s first administration and has been a leading figure in shaping policies like family separations at the border. He now heads up policy efforts as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
Deputy Chief of Staff: Dan Scavino
Scavino, a longtime Trump aide, managed his social media accounts during his first term and was a key adviser on all three of Trump’s campaigns. His refusal to comply with a 2022 subpoena related to the January 6th attack highlights his steadfast loyalty to Trump.
**Deputy Chief of Staff: James Blair**
James Blair, Trump’s 2024 campaign political director, will now handle legislative and public affairs as Deputy Chief of Staff. His role was central in driving Trump’s economic messaging during the election.
**Deputy Chief of Staff: Taylor Budowich**
Taylor Budowich, a veteran of Trump’s campaigns, ran the “Make America Great Again” super PAC and will now oversee communications and personnel in the White House as Deputy Chief of Staff.
**White House Counsel: William McGinley**
William McGinley, who served as White House Cabinet Secretary during Trump’s first term, has also worked on legal matters related to election integrity for the Republican National Committee.
Special Envoy to the Middle East: Steven Witkoff
A business leader and philanthropist, Witkoff, 67, has been close to Trump for years, even serving as a golf partner. Trump has praised him as a voice for peace in the region.
Ambassador to Israel: Mike Huckabee
Mike Huckabee, a staunch proponent of Israel, is poised to serve as Ambassador to Israel, signaling a continued close alignment between U.S. foreign policy and Israeli interests, particularly regarding conflicts involving Hamas and Hezbollah.
Ambassador to the United Nations: Elise Stefanik
Elise Stefanik, a representative from New York and one of Trump’s most loyal defenders, has been tapped for the U.N. ambassadorship. Known for her leadership in the House, she was instrumental in removing Liz Cheney from her role as House Republican Conference chair after Cheney criticized Trump’s election claims.