Washington: President-elect Donald Trump is filling key roles in his upcoming administration, appointing loyal allies and prominent supporters from his 2024 campaign. Here’s a look at some of his selections:
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy – Department of Efficiency
Elon Musk and former presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy have been tapped to co-lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump emphasized in a statement that the two would work to streamline the federal government, cut down on waste, and eliminate unnecessary regulations. He described Musk as “the Great Elon Musk” and Ramaswamy as an “American Patriot,” underlining their shared mission to implement sweeping bureaucratic reforms.
Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense
Fox News host Pete Hegseth, 44, has been nominated as Secretary of Defense. Despite lacking traditional defense or national security credentials, he has built a close bond with Trump over the years. If confirmed, Hegseth will face urgent international challenges, including Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine and escalating Middle East tensions. He is known for his book *The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free*, published earlier in 2024.
Kristi Noem – Secretary of Homeland Security
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a conservative firebrand, is set to lead the Department of Homeland Security. She became a prominent GOP figure during the pandemic for opposing COVID-19 restrictions and has since championed a hardline immigration agenda. As Secretary, she will oversee immigration enforcement, disaster response, and airport security, among other duties.
William McGinley – White House Counsel
Trump has appointed William McGinley, a veteran of his first administration, as White House Counsel. McGinley served as White House Cabinet Secretary and was a legal advisor for the Republican National Committee during the 2024 campaign. Trump praised him as “a smart and tenacious lawyer” dedicated to upholding the “America First” agenda and fighting for election integrity.
John Ratcliffe – CIA Director
John Ratcliffe, the former Director of National Intelligence, will lead the CIA. Trump lauded Ratcliffe for his constitutional advocacy and vowed that his leadership would fortify national security. Ratcliffe’s tenure as DNI spanned the critical pandemic period in Trump’s first term.
Steven Witkoff – Special Envoy to the Middle East
Real estate mogul Steven Witkoff has been named Special Envoy to the Middle East. Trump, who counts Witkoff as a personal friend, described him as a “Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy.” Witkoff’s experience in Middle Eastern affairs is limited, but his role will include promoting peace initiatives in the region.
Mike Huckabee – Ambassador to Israel
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will be nominated as Ambassador to Israel, a role for which he is well-known as a staunch supporter of the Jewish state. Trump cited Huckabee’s deep connection with Israel and the evangelical community, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening U.S.-Israel ties.
Mike Waltz – National Security Adviser
Congressman Mike Waltz, a retired Army officer, will serve as National Security Adviser. Waltz brings combat experience from Afghanistan and expertise as a Pentagon advisor. He has endorsed an “America First” foreign policy, taking a hard stance on China and advocating for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics over human rights abuses.
Susie Wiles – Chief of Staff
Susie Wiles, a key figure in Trump’s victorious 2024 campaign, will become Chief of Staff. Known for her strategic discipline, Wiles played a pivotal role in Trump’s defeat of Ron DeSantis in the Republican primaries and has earned the president-elect’s trust by steering his campaign with unparalleled focus.
Tom Homan – Border Czar
Tom Homan, a former ICE director, will oversee immigration enforcement. Tasked with executing the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, Homan is a staunch advocate of Trump’s border policies. Despite past controversy, he insists that mass deportations can be carried out humanely.
Elise Stefanik – United Nations Ambassador
Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, a vocal Trump ally, has been chosen to represent the U.S. at the United Nations. Stefanik’s rise in GOP leadership and her advocacy on issues like antisemitism have boosted her profile. She will be tasked with handling pressing global conflicts, including those involving Ukraine and Israel.
Stephen Miller – Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration policies, will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. Miller remains committed to implementing stringent deportation measures and has led legal challenges to the Biden administration through his group America First Legal.
Lee Zeldin – Environmental Protection Agency
Former Congressman Lee Zeldin will head the EPA, despite his lack of environmental expertise. He has vowed to restore American energy independence and promote deregulation, balancing business interests with environmental safeguards. Zeldin’s focus will be on boosting traditional energy sectors while maintaining clean air and water standards.
With inputs from AP
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