As US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office for his second term, he has announced a series of strategic appointments to shape his administration, favoring those who were loyal allies throughout his 2024 campaign.
Here is an overview of the appointments Trump has announced so far:
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead department of government efficiency
Trump on Tuesday (local times) announced that Tesla CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will co-head the department of government efficiency (DOGE), a new agency tasked with streamlining government operations.
“The Great Elon Musk, alongside American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will cut through bureaucratic red tape,” Trump said in a statement. Ramaswamy, marking his first role in a US administration, joins the team on January 20.
John Ratcliffe, director of the CIA
John Ratcliffe, former director of National Intelligence under Trump, has been named the CIA director. Known for his assertive stance on foreign interference in US politics, Ratcliffe’s experience includes overseeing intelligence during the pandemic and countering election interference threats.
William McGinley, White House Counsel
Former Trump adviser and cabinet secretary William McGinley will serve as White House Counsel. McGinley, a staunch advocate for election integrity, was also involved in the Republican National Committee’s election integrity effort during the campaign.
Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee has been tapped as the next US Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a longstanding supporter of Israel, will take on a diplomatic role in line with Trump’s pledge to bolster US-Israel relations amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
Pete Hegseth, secretary of defense
Fox News host Pete Hegseth, a veteran of the Army National Guard, has been appointed secretary of defense. Known for his “America First” stance, Hegseth has promised to strengthen US military under Trump’s guidance.
Additional appointments
Susie Wiles, chief of staff: Trump’s campaign manager, credited for running a disciplined campaign, will be the White House chief of staff.
Tom Homan, Border Czar: Former ICE director Tom Homan will lead border security efforts, prioritizing the deportation of undocumented individuals with safety risks.
Elise Stefanik, Ambassador to the United Nations: Congresswoman Stefanik, a Trump loyalist, will take on diplomatic responsibilities at the UN.
Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator: Former Congressman Lee Zeldin will oversee the Environmental Protection Agency, aligning with Trump’s energy policy reforms.
Marco Rubio, secretary of state: US Senator Marco Rubio is expected to become secretary of state, bringing a foreign policy perspective shaped by his stance on adversarial nations like China and Iran.
Mike Waltz, national security adviser: Congressman and former Army Green Beret Mike Waltz will advise Trump on national security issues, with a particular focus on China.
Kristi Noem, secretary of homeland security: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, known for her strong stances during the Covid-19 pandemic, will head the department of homeland security.
