Following his victory in the 2024 election, President-elect Donald Trump has begun to fill key positions in his incoming administration, including top Cabinet and advisory roles. Here is a summary of his picks and who is being considered for the Trump transition team:
Matt Gaetz: Attorney General
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has been nominated by Trump to serve as the next Attorney General, a surprising choice. “It is my Great Honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The Attorney General of the United States,” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social, highlighting Gaetz’s legal training and commitment to reforming the Department of Justice.
Tulsi Gabbard: Director of National Intelligence
Trump has announced his intent to nominate former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, who previously served four terms in Congress as a Democrat, left her party and became a prominent Trump supporter during the 2024 campaign. Before her time in Congress, Gabbard served in the U.S. Army with deployments to the Middle East and Africa.
Pete Hegseth: Secretary of Defense
Trump has tapped Fox News host and former Army major Pete Hegseth for the position of Secretary of Defense. A decorated veteran, Hegseth served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, earning two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. His confirmation will require a Senate majority, which Republicans are expected to hold.
Mike Huckabee: U.S. Ambassador to Israel
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has been chosen as Trump’s pick for U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Trump praised Huckabee’s strong support for Israel, citing Huckabee’s frequent visits and his dedication to U.S.-Israel relations, influenced by his political and evangelical beliefs.
Kristi Noem: Homeland Security Secretary
Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) has been nominated for the role of Secretary of Homeland Security. Although Noem is not from a border state, she has shown strong support for Trump’s border policies and made visits to the Texas border. If confirmed, she would lead the agency responsible for U.S. security with its 245,000 employees.
Mike Waltz: National Security Adviser
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) is Trump’s pick for National Security Adviser. A former Green Beret, Waltz shares Trump’s firm stance on foreign policy, particularly regarding China, and has been cautious about the extent of U.S. support for Ukraine. He is also a strong supporter of Israel and takes a hawkish view on Iran.
Elise Stefanik: U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has accepted Trump’s offer to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Known for her assertive leadership in Congress, Stefanik’s departure will require her to vacate her House seat, which may impact the Republican House majority.
Tom Homan: Border Czar
Trump has appointed former ICE Director Tom Homan as his “Border Czar,” responsible for overseeing the southern and northern borders as well as coastal and air borders. Homan’s appointment, which does not require Senate confirmation, is in line with Trump’s immigration policies and his vow for extensive deportations.
Stephen Miller: White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
Stephen Miller, an immigration policy architect from Trump’s first term, has been appointed White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. His role suggests that immigration enforcement will be a major focus of the new administration.
Lee Zeldin: EPA Administrator
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) has been selected to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Trump stated that Zeldin would prioritize rolling back regulations introduced under the Biden administration to spur economic growth while maintaining high environmental standards. Zeldin will require Senate confirmation for the role.
Susie Wiles: Chief of Staff
Trump’s co-campaign manager, Susie Wiles, has been appointed as his White House Chief of Staff, making her the first woman to serve in this position. Known for her extensive experience as a Republican strategist in Florida, Wiles played a significant role in Trump’s 2024 campaign victory.
These selections are part of Trump’s broader strategy of appointing loyalists and experienced allies to lead his administration, setting a firm direction for his second term.
