President-elect Donald Trump is rapidly assembling his second administration, tapping well-known loyalists for key posts while eyeing Wall Street veterans, Republican insiders, and conservative figures for remaining cabinet slots.
The early appointments signal dramatic shifts ahead in immigration, foreign policy, and environmental regulation — a fulfillment of the Trump campaign promises.
Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, an early Trump supporter, has received the nod for Homeland Security Secretary. She’ll work alongside immigration hardliners Tom Homan as border czar and Stephen Miller, 39, as deputy chief of staff — architects of Trump’s first-term policy who promise to ramp up a zero tolerance, “biggest deportation operation” in U.S. history.
Marco Rubio emerges as the Secretary of State, a stunning turnaround for the former bitter 2016 rival. He’s expected to push for a “negotiated settlement” in Ukraine while taking tough stances on China and Iran.
Trump’s first pick — and first female chief of staff — was campaign manager Susie Wiles, 67, who earned his trust by running his most disciplined campaign yet.
She’ll be joined by Rep. Mike Waltz, a former Green Beret and China hawk, as national security adviser.
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin heads to EPA, promising to “restore U.S. energy dominance” and roll back electric vehicle initiatives. Rising GOP star Rep. Elise Stefanik, 40, gets the UN ambassador nod after her high-profile grilling of university presidents over antisemitism.
Several crucial posts still remain unfilled. Trump wants an attorney general willing to overhaul the Justice Department, with names like Senator Mike Lee and Judge Aileen Cannon in play. For Treasury, he’s leaning toward Wall Street experience, eyeing billionaire John Paulson and others.
The administration could also include some unexpected faces: Elon Musk may lead a new “government efficiency commission,” while former Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could shape health policy.
Trump is crafting his agenda at Mar-a-Lago with America First Policy Institute, working to identify loyalists who’ll help remove what he calls “deep state” bureaucrats from government agencies.