President-elect Donald Trump has begun naming key cabinet members and senior administration officials following his November 5 election victory. Trump started announcing his nominees and appointees just days after his election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The list includes some of his closest allies from Capitol Hill and key advisers from his 2024 campaign, including names like Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard and Matt Gaetz. 

Trump faces the task of appointing roughly 4,000 officials, including leaders of the executive departments that will form his cabinet. The US Cabinet is made up of 15 federal agencies, each headed by an appointed secretary. Together with the vice president, these officials advise the president and carry out government policies.

Each of these team members is anticipated to play a direct role in implementing the president-elect’s policies in his second term. Here is a complete list of key appointments announced so far:

Marco Rubio – Secretary of State

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, 53, has been selected as Secretary of State, making him the first Latino to hold the position. Rubio, once a staunch advocate of a hawkish foreign policy, has moderated his views in line with Trump’s more non-interventionist stance on issues involving China, Iran, and Cuba.

Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense

Fox News commentator and Army National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth, 44, has been chosen as Secretary of Defense. Known for his criticism of “woke” military policies, Hegseth is expected to prioritize reforms in military leadership to align with Trump’s agenda.

Susie Wiles – Chief of Staff 

Susie Wiles, 67, has been appointed as Trump’s White House chief of staff. Known for running a successful, disciplined campaign, Wiles is expected to bring stability and order, addressing the leadership challenges seen during Trump’s previous term when he frequently replaced chiefs of staff.

William Joseph McGinley – White House Counsel

William Joseph McGinley, a seasoned Republican lawyer, will serve as his White House counsel. McGinley brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as White House Cabinet Secretary during the early part of Trump’s first term. During the 2024 election, he also worked as outside counsel for the Republican National Committee on election integrity issues. A prominent political lawyer, McGinley has held leadership roles at two major Washington, D.C., law firms: Patton Boggs, formerly a major lobbying force, and Jones Day, known for its conservative leanings. His current firm may be smaller, but it boasts a highly respected team of political attorneys, reflecting McGinley’s deep connections within the Republican Party’s legal framework.

Matt Gaetz – Attorney General

Gaetz, 42, a vocal Trump supporter and Florida Representative, is a controversial pick for Attorney General. Despite past investigations, Gaetz remains a staunch ally of Trump and a figure whose loyalty is key to his nomination.

Linda McMahon – Secretary of Commerce (Expected)

McMahon, 76, former Small Business Administration (SBA) head and WWE co-founder, is expected to lead the Department of Commerce. She has been a long-time Trump supporter and a prominent figure in his political circles.

Kristi Noem – Secretary of Homeland Security 

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, 52, known for her strong stance on border security, has been selected to head the Department of Homeland Security. She will work alongside Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, to enhance national security.

Tom Homan – Border Czar

Trump announced that Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will oversee border security efforts. Homan, 62, has pledged to prioritize the deportation of individuals who pose a security threat.

Lee Zeldin – EPA Administrator

Former U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin, 44, has been appointed to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A staunch Trump ally, Zeldin will oversee Trump’s policy to overhaul U.S. energy production, emphasizing deregulation.

Tulsi Gabbard – Director of National Intelligence 

Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been named to lead the nation’s intelligence agencies, a pivotal role in shaping Trump’s international policies.

Elise Stefanik – UN Ambassador

New York Representative Elise Stefanik will represent the U.S. at the United Nations, advocating for Trump’s foreign policy goals.

Mike Huckabee – Ambassador to Israel: 

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will serve as Ambassador to Israel, reinforcing Trump’s pro-Israel stance.

Mike Waltz – National Security Adviser 

Trump selected U.S. Representative Mike Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret, as National Security Adviser. Waltz has been a vocal critic of China and is expected to focus on strengthening U.S. security.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy – Department of Government Efficiency 

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy have been appointed to head a new Department of Government Efficiency. This department will focus on cutting bureaucratic red tape and reducing government waste.

John Ratcliffe – CIA Director 

Trump has tapped John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, to lead the CIA. Ratcliffe, 59, is a staunch Trump loyalist and is expected to maintain the president-elect’s tough stance on intelligence and national security issues.

Karoline Leavitt – White House Press Secretary

Karoline Leavitt has been appointed White House press secretary, making her the youngest ever to hold the position at just 27 years old. Leavitt’s rapid rise in politics is marked by her expertise in communications and strategy. Currently serving as a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, she has earned recognition for her robust defence of the president in media engagements. Her appointment underscores Trump’s confidence in her abilities as she prepares to lead the administration’s public relations efforts in the upcoming term.

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Robert F Kennedy Jr – Secretary of Health and Human Services

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and activist, gained recognition through his prominent family and dedication to public service. Born in 1954, he is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, a former U.S. Attorney General and Senator. Educated at Harvard University, the University of Virginia School of Law, and Pace University School of Law, he specialized in environmental law, serving with the Natural Resources Defense Council and leading the Waterkeeper Alliance to protect global water bodies. An outspoken critic of vaccine safety, Kennedy attributes his stance to concerns over regulatory oversight and potential health risks linked to vaccine components.

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Departmental Roles and Responsibilities

Each of the 15 executive departments plays a vital role in the administration:

  • State Department: Manages foreign policy and international diplomacy.
  • Treasury: Oversees financial and economic policy.
  • Defense: Responsible for national defense and military strategy.
  • Justice: Ensures law enforcement and federal legal matters.
  • Homeland Security: Oversees border security, immigration, and disaster response.

Potential Candidates

Trump has several potential candidates for key positions:

Scott Bessent – Treasury Secretary 

Bessent, an economic adviser and hedge fund investor, is a leading candidate for Treasury Secretary. He is praised for his alignment with Trump’s economic philosophy.

Robert Lighthizer – Trade Czar or Treasury Secretary

Lighthizer, 77, who served as Trump’s U.S. Trade Representative, is also being considered for a senior economic role, likely focusing on trade or Treasury.

Howard Lutnick – Treasury Secretary

Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, is another potential candidate for Treasury Secretary, known for his strong support of Trump’s economic policies.

Linda McMahon – Commerce Secretary

McMahon is also in the running to lead the Department of Commerce, bringing her business expertise and longstanding support of Trump.

Kash Patel – National Security Roles

Patel, a former high-ranking staffer in the defense and intelligence communities, is a potential candidate for national security positions.

As the Biden administration transitions out, it will assist in briefing Trump’s team to ensure continuity of government operations. Trump’s picks reflect a blend of loyalty, experience, and alignment with his policy vision, as he prepares to take office on January 20.