President-elect Donald Trump has finalized his cabinet selections and other high-ranking administration positions following his November 5 election victory. Here are the announced choices for key roles overseeing defence, intelligence, health, diplomacy, trade, justice, immigration, and economic policymaking.
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary: As Trump's Treasury secretary, Bessent would wield significant influence over economic, regulatory, and international affairs. A seasoned hedge fund investor and former Yale University lecturer, Bessent, 62, enjoys a close relationship with the president-elect. While he has long supported free-market policies, he has also commended Trump's use of tariffs as a negotiation tool, praising his economic philosophy that questions both regulation and international trade.
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State: If confirmed, Rubio, a US senator, would be the first Latino to serve as the nation's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, was a strong contender for the role, known for advocating a robust foreign policy towards US geopolitical adversaries like China, Iran, and Cuba. Over recent years, he has adjusted his stance to align more closely with Trump's less interventionist foreign policy.
Pete Hegseth, Defence Secretary: Hegseth, 44, a military veteran, has criticized the so-called 'woke' policies of Pentagon leaders. As secretary of defence, he could fulfill Trump's campaign promise to remove generals pursuing progressive policies on diversity. This could lead to conflicts with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, whom Hegseth has accused of supporting left-wing political positions.
Pam Bondi, Attorney General: Trump selected former Florida Attorney General Bondi after Matt Gaetz withdrew due to Senate opposition over allegations of misconduct. Bondi, 59, served as the state's top law enforcement officer from 2011 to 2019 and was part of Trump's Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission. She is expected to play a crucial role in Trump's plans for mass deportations and pardons.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence: Gabbard, a former Democratic Congress member and U.S. Army Reserve officer, was appointed to oversee 18 intelligence agencies. Gabbard, 43, has been critical of the Biden administration's foreign policy, particularly its support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary: Noem, the current governor of South Dakota, would lead a large federal agency responsible for border protection, cybersecurity, transportation safety, and disaster response. Noem, 52, gained national attention for her refusal to impose a statewide mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Howard Lutnick, Commerce secretary: Lutnick, co-chair of Trump's transition team and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been chosen to head the Commerce Department, which has become a key tool against China's tech sector. Lutnick, 63, a fellow New Yorker, has strongly supported Trump's economic policies, including tariffs.
Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser: Waltz, a Republican representative and retired Army Green Beret, has been critical of China. As national security adviser, Waltz, 50, will brief Trump on key national security issues and coordinate with various agencies.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Heads of the Department of Government Efficiency: Musk, a tech billionaire, and Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, have been tasked with leading a new Department of Government Efficiency. They will propose measures to reduce bureaucracy, cut regulations, and restructure federal agencies.
Tom Homan, 'Border Czar': Homan has been assigned to secure the nation's borders, a major campaign priority for Trump. As 'border czar,' Homan, 62, would focus on deporting immigrants illegally in the U.S. who pose safety and security threats.
Elise Stefanik, Ambassador to the UN: Stefanik, a U.S. representative from New York and a staunch Trump supporter, would serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Other notable cabinet picks include Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary, and Lori Chavez-Deremer as Labor Secretary.
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