The new team tasked with implementing Donald Trump’s agenda is taking shape, with several controversial picks for key positions in his proposed administration.
As he prepares for his return to the White House in January 2025, Trump has made several high-profile nominations.
These include Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general, Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary.
Other names in the mix include Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Elon Musk for a role focused on cost-cutting.
Here are the key cabinet roles and their nominees:
- Secretary of State – Marco Rubio
Florida Senator Rubio, known for his hawkish stance on China, is poised to become the first Latino secretary of state if confirmed. - Defense Secretary – Pete Hegseth
A Fox News host and military veteran, Hegseth’s nomination has stirred debate, particularly due to past allegations of sexual assault, which he denies. - Attorney General – Matt Gaetz
Gaetz, a Florida congressman, has been a controversial pick due to ongoing investigations into his personal conduct. His confirmation is expected to be contentious. - Department of the Interior – Doug Burgum
North Dakota Governor Burgum, a software entrepreneur, is nominated to oversee federal lands and resources. - Health and Human Services – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic with no medical background, has been chosen to lead the department despite concerns about his controversial views. - Veterans’ Affairs – Doug Collins
A former congressman and Iraq war veteran, Collins is slated to lead the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. - Homeland Security – Kristi Noem
South Dakota Governor Noem has been tapped to oversee U.S. security, including border control and emergency response. - Transportation Secretary – Sean Duffy
Former Congressman Duffy is nominated to lead the Department of Transportation, overseeing policies related to aviation, rail, and transit. - Energy Secretary – Chris Wright
The oil and gas executive, known for his opposition to climate change activism, will head the Department of Energy. - Commerce Secretary – Howard Lutnick
A financier and Trump ally, Lutnick is nominated to lead the Department of Commerce, focusing on trade and tariffs. - Education Secretary – Linda McMahon
The WWE co-founder is expected to take charge of the Department of Education, with an emphasis on devolving power to the states.
Additionally, Trump has considered several other significant roles, including:
- Treasury Secretary: Robert Lighthizer and other potential nominees.
- Department of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead efforts to reduce bureaucracy and regulation.
- Border Tsar – Tom Homan: A former ICE director, Homan will focus on mass deportations.
- EPA Head – Lee Zeldin: Former Congressman Zeldin is expected to roll back environmental regulations.
- UN Ambassador – Elise Stefanik: A prominent Congresswoman, Stefanik will represent the U.S. at the United Nations.
- CIA Director – John Ratcliffe: Trump’s former DNI is set to lead the CIA.
- National Security Adviser – Mike Waltz: A Green Beret congressman, Waltz will advise on military strategy and international conflicts.
Other notable roles include the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, intelligence and national security positions, and several ambassadorial posts. The Senate will need to confirm many of these nominees, and some of them, like Gaetz and Hegseth, may face tough battles for confirmation due to their controversial backgrounds.
