Donald Trump has begun selecting high-ranking officials following his US presidential election victory. The President-elect is prioritising aides and allies (MAGA supporters) who were strong supporters during his 2024 US Presidential campaign as he fills key positions in his new administration. While there's still a lot of buzz about Tesla chief Elon Musk and whether he'll be part of Trump's extended cabinet, the President-elect has not mentioned his name for a key portfolio or otherwise, so far.
Below is a list of Donald Trump's picks in the second term for key roles overseeing defense, intelligence, diplomacy, trade, immigration, and economic policymaking.
National Security Adviser: Mike Waltz
Mike Waltz, a former Army Green Beret and current US Congressman from Florida, has made a name as one of the most prominent China hawks in Congress. He has co-sponsored bills aimed at reducing US reliance on critical minerals mined in China. As head of the India Caucus, Waltz has advocated for strengthening U.S.-India defense and security cooperation.
Waltz served multiple tours in Afghanistan and was previously a policy adviser in the Pentagon under defense chiefs Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates. His new role will place him at the forefront of major security issues, including the supply of weapons to Ukraine, the strengthening alliance between Russia and North Korea, and ongoing tensions in West Asia.
UN Ambassador: Elise Stefanik
Donald Trump announced that Elise Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman and loyal Trump supporter, will serve as his ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik, 40, represents New York and has been a steadfast Trump ally since his first impeachment. In 2021, she assumed a leadership role in the House of Representatives, replacing Representative Liz Cheney, who had been ousted for her criticism of Trump’s claims of election fraud.
Stefanik will represent US interests at the UN, where Trump has pledged to end both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the war between Israel and Hamas, while also managing escalating tensions in Gaza and Lebanon.
White House Chief Of Staff: Susie Wiles
Trump's first personnel announcement was naming Susie Wiles, one of his campaign managers, as his White House chief of staff. Wiles, a prominent figure in Florida politics, helped Ron DeSantis win his first gubernatorial race before aiding Trump in defeating DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary.
'Border Czar': Tom Homan
Trump has appointed Tom Homan, 62, to oversee his top immigration priority—an unprecedented deportation operation. During his campaign, Trump emphasized a crackdown on illegal immigration, and Homan has pledged to prioritize deporting individuals posing safety and security risks, as well as those working unlawfully. Homan previously led US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first administration and was anticipated to take on a role related to border security, a central campaign issue.
Deputy Chief Of Staff For Policy: Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller, known for his hardline stance on immigration, has been appointed Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. A senior adviser during Trump’s first administration, Miller was a key figure in shaping Trump’s immigration policies, including family separations. Since 2021, he has led America First Legal, an organisation challenging the Biden administration and other institutions on issues related to free speech and national security.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator: Lee Zeldin
Trump has chosen former Congressman Lee Zeldin from New York as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Although Zeldin lacks a background in environmental policy, he has been a strong Trump supporter. Zeldin served in Congress from 2015 to 2023 and lost the New York gubernatorial race in 2022.
Trump has pledged to revamp US energy policies, aiming to increase oil and gas production by rolling back regulations and expediting permits.
Intelligence/National Security Posts
Former director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, has been chosen to serve as Central Intelligence Agency director. The ex-Texas congressman "has always been a warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American Public," Trump said in his statement.
Defence Secretary: Pete Hegseth
Trump has appointed Pete Hegseth as the next defence secretary in his cabinet. Hegseth is an army veteran who had also been a Fox News host and former head of two advocacy groups for military veterans.
He previously contested for a Senate seat in Minnesota but was defeated. "Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First," Trump wrote in a statement. "With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down."