After a sweeping victory in the US election 2024, the President-elect, Donald Trump, has started filling key posts in his new administration.
Gearing up for his return to the White House, Trump has picked loyalists for top positions, reflecting his intent on reshaping the US federal government according to his own vision. The newly-elected president’s nominees for the Cabinet require the Senate approval, raising the specter of difficult battles for Trump in his second term, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Secretary of State
Trump nominated Florida Senator, Marco Rubio, to serve as the US Secretary of State. Rubio, 53 years old, has hawkish views on China, Cuba and Iran. He was a critic of Trump during his unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. However, their relations improved during Trump’s first term in office.
“He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio after his nomination. If approved, Rubio will be the first Latino to act as America’s top diplomat.
Defense Secretary
In a controversial choice, Trump named Pete Hegseth to be the US Defense Secretary. Hegseth, 44, is a veteran and a Fox News host who lacks senior military and national security experience. He served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021.
If approved, he will lead the Pentagon at a time of heightened global crises, from Ukraine war to the Middle East conflicts.
CIA Director
The President-elect picked John Ratcliffe to head the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He served as the director of the National Intelligence during the final months of Trump’s first term.
“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said. He also called him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”
Attorney General
Trump chose Matt Gaetz, 42, to act as the US Attorney General. Gaetz is Florida Representative and a Trump loyalist. His choice for this position will likely face opposition from both US parties.
On this matter, Trump said: “Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and Restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”
Health and Human Services Secretary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) is Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, 70, is an environmental lawyer, vaccine skeptic and the nephew of former President John F Kennedy.
The choice of RFK Jr. is concerning for many people because he has no medical qualifications and has spread unfounded fears about vaccines.
National Security Adviser
The Florida Republican congressman, Mike Waltz, has been picked by Trump to be his national security adviser. Waltz, a former Army Green Beret, is a China hawk. He also served in Afghanistan and worked as a policy adviser at the Pentagon during Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates reigns.
Special envoy to the Middle East
Trump named Steve Witkoff, a real estate investor and philanthropist, to be special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, 67, is a close friend of Trump and was golfing with him during the second assassination attempt.
The President-elect said that Witkoff “will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud.”
Ambassador to Israel
Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas Governor, has been Trump’s nominee for the role of US Ambassador to Israel, as the new president vows to align US foreign policy more closely with Israel’s interests amid its ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Huckabee is a staunch supporter of Israel who has previously rejected the idea of a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. On his choice, Trump said: “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”
Department of Government Efficiency
In a surprising move, Trump selected the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, and the former presidential hopeful, Vivek Ramaswamy, to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a body operating outside traditional government frameworks.
Trump said that the department’s role includes dismantling government bureaucracy, slashing excess regulations, cutting wasteful expenditures in addition to restructuring federal agencies.
