ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Donald Trump – the newly elected president – has begun assembling his cabinet and senior administration team.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of his announced picks and potential candidates for key roles, ranging from economic policy to national security.
Key announced cabinet picks
- Scott Bessent – Treasury Secretary
A seasoned hedge fund investor and former Yale professor, Bessent is aligned with Trump’s economic philosophy, favoring tariffs and deregulation. - Marco Rubio – Secretary of State
The Florida senator, known for his strong stance on China and Iran, has adapted to Trump’s less interventionist foreign policy approach. - Pete Hegseth – Defense Secretary
A Fox News commentator and veteran, Hegseth aims to reform military leadership and policies, though controversy surrounds past allegations against him. - Tulsi Gabbard – Director of National Intelligence
A former Democrat turned Republican, Gabbard brings political experience but limited intelligence background to this critical role. - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Health and Human Services Secretary
Known for his controversial stance on vaccines, Kennedy plans to overhaul the FDA and NIH. - Kristi Noem – Homeland Security Secretary
The South Dakota governor, a Trump ally, will oversee immigration, disaster response, and border security. - Tom Homan – Border Czar
A hardliner on immigration, Homan promises strict enforcement against undocumented workers and security threats. - Howard Lutnick – Commerce Secretary
The CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald will spearhead trade policies, focusing on challenging China’s tech dominance. - Elon Musk & Vivek Ramaswamy – Department of Government Efficiency
These tech leaders are tasked with cutting bureaucracy and modernizing federal operations. - Pam Bondi – Attorney General
A former Florida attorney general, Bondi will prioritize immigration enforcement and address legal challenges against Trump.
Other major appointments
- Russ Vought – Director, Office of Management and Budget
Architect of conservative reforms, Vought will lead efforts to streamline government functions. - Lee Zeldin – EPA Administrator
A staunch Trump ally, Zeldin will drive deregulation to boost energy production. - Mike Waltz – National Security Adviser
A retired Green Beret and China critic, Waltz will shape Trump’s foreign policy. - Linda McMahon – Education Secretary
McMahon, critical of diversity initiatives, aims to reform or dismantle the Department of Education. - Martin Makary – FDA Head
A Johns Hopkins surgeon and COVID-19 skeptic, Makary will oversee drug regulation. - Scott Turner – Housing and Urban Development Secretary
A former NFL player, Turner is tasked with revitalizing distressed communities.
Notable contenders and roles in progress
- Robert Lighthizer – Potential Trade Czar or Treasury Secretary.
Lighthizer’s tariff-focused trade strategy aligns closely with Trump’s vision. - Kash Patel – Candidate for National Security Roles or FBI Director.
A loyalist with experience in defense and intelligence, Patel could take on a significant role.
Trump’s team reflects a mix of loyalists, private sector leaders, and experienced politicians, signaling a focus on economic reform, immigration control, and a more assertive foreign policy.
