1 / 13As President-elect Donald Trump assembles his team for his second term, he has turned to trusted allies and staunch backers from his 2024 campaign to fill key positions in his administration. Trump’s selections so far reveal a cabinet focused on his top priorities – strengthening national security, taking a hard stance on immigration, pursuing energy independence, and navigating complex foreign relations. Here’s a closer look at the figures shaping Trump’s administration for the coming term:
2 / 13Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy | Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that Elon Musk and former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will head a new initiative called the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). According to AP, despite the official-sounding name, it’s not a formal government agency. The acronym "DOGE" humorously nods to Musk's fondness for the cryptocurrency dogecoin. According to Trump’s statement, Musk and Ramaswamy will operate outside the government, offering “advice and guidance” to the White House while collaborating with the Office of Management and Budget. Their goal is to spearhead significant structural reforms and introduce a new entrepreneurial spirit to government operations. Trump suggested this approach will challenge existing systems. However, specifics about how this organisation will function remain unclear. It may need to comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which outlines operational and accountability standards for external advisory groups. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 13Pete Hegseth | Trump has reportedly chosen Fox News host and military veteran Pete Hegseth as his pick for defense secretary, according to the Associated Press. Hegseth, a well-known conservative media figure, has a strong personal connection with Trump, who previously considered him for a role in his first administration. Hegseth has also advocated for the release of service members accused of war crimes. If confirmed, he would take charge of the Pentagon during a period of heightened global tension, with pressing issues such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, Iranian-backed attacks in the Middle East, efforts for a ceasefire between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and concerns over a growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. (Image: AP)
4 / 13Kristi Noem | According to news reports, Trump has appointed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a pivotal agency for his plans to secure the border and launch a large-scale deportation initiative. A longtime supporter of Trump’s policies, Noem has consistently backed his hardline stance on immigration. Following Trump’s election, Noem posted on X, “President Trump will deport the most dangerous illegal aliens first — the murderers, rapists, and other criminals that Harris and Biden let into the country. They do not belong here, and we will not let them back in.” (Image: Reuters)
5 / 13Mike Huckabee | Trump has named former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as his choice for ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a former TV host and Baptist minister, has been a vocal opponent of establishing a Palestinian state on land controlled by Israel and is a strong supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A frequent visitor to Israel, Huckabee has even expressed interest in purchasing a holiday home there, the AP reported. He has long maintained that the West Bank rightfully belongs to Israel, recently stating, "the title deed was given by God to Abraham and to his heirs.” (Image: AP)
6 / 13John Ratcliffe | Trump on Tuesday, November 12, announced his intent to appoint John Ratcliffe as CIA director in his new administration. Ratcliffe previously served as director of national intelligence in the final months of Trump’s first term, overseeing US intelligence agencies through the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign interference concerns during the 2020 election. Known for his intelligence experience, Ratcliffe is considered a more traditional choice for this role, which will require Senate confirmation, in contrast to some loyalists advocated by Trump supporters. Elected to Congress in 2014, Ratcliffe gained national attention in 2019 as a staunch Trump defender during the House’s first impeachment proceedings, actively questioning witnesses and serving on Trump’s impeachment advisory team. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 13Marco Rubio | According to PTI, Trump has tapped Senator Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State, making the Florida-born politician the first Latino to serve as America's top diplomat. Rubio, known for his hardline stance on global adversaries, brings his experience on foreign policy, especially on China, Iran, and Venezuela. Rubio was also one of three final contenders for Trump's vice-presidential pick. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 13Mike Waltz | Trump has asked retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran Waltz to be his national security adviser, according to PTI. Waltz, a three-term GOP congressman from Florida, has served multiple tours in Afghanistan and worked as a policy adviser at the Pentagon. If confirmed, he would manage a range of national security challenges, including the Ukraine conflict, Russia-North Korea ties, and escalating Middle East tensions. Known for his hawkish stance on China, Waltz previously called for a US boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics over China's handling of COVID-19 and its treatment of Uighur Muslims. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 13Susie Wiles | Susie Wiles, 67, a longtime Trump confidante and strategist, is named Chief of Staff. She played a key role in Trump’s 2024 campaign, managing it effectively and helping him defeat Ron DeSantis, whom she had previously helped elect as Florida governor. Wiles’ hiring, Trump’s first major decision as president-elect, reflects her close relationship with him and her ability to maintain campaign discipline, earning his trust through proven success. (Image: Reuters)
10 / 13Tom Homan | With a mandate to lead an unprecedented deportation initiative, former ICE head Tom Homan returns as Trump’s ‘Border Czar.’ A long-time supporter of Trump’s policies, Homan has stated that he would run a large-scale deportation effort. Homan, who led US Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first term, has faced criticism from Democrats for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” border policy, which led to the separation of thousands of migrant families. (Image: AP)
11 / 13Elise Stefanik | Rep. Elise Stefanik, a longtime Trump ally and defender, is chosen to represent the US at the United Nations. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik became House Republican Conference chair in 2021 after Liz Cheney was ousted for criticizing Trump’s election claims. At 40, Stefanik has held the position as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Her national profile grew further when her questioning of university presidents over campus antisemitism led to two resignations. Her focus will likely include seeking peace in the Middle East and addressing the Ukraine conflict, aligning with Trump’s foreign policy vision. (Image: Reuters)
12 / 13Stephen Miller | Stephen Miller, an immigration policy advocate, resumes a senior role as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, shaping national security and immigration policies. At 39, Miller was a senior adviser during Trump’s first term, playing a key role in policies like separating immigrant families. Trump argued that deporting illegal immigrants would address economic, national security, and social issues. Since 2021, Miller has been president of America First Legal, an organisation of former Trump advisers focused on challenging the Biden administration, media, universities, and others on issues like free speech and national security. Miller’s influence on Trump’s deportation agenda is expected to persist in this administration. (Image: Reuters)
13 / 13Lee Zeldin | Former Congressman Lee Zeldin takes on the role of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, with a vision to balance economic growth and environmental protection while restoring US energy independence. Zeldin, a longtime Trump supporter with no apparent environmental experience, expressed his commitment to restoring US energy dominance and revitalising the auto industry, while ensuring access to clean air and water. The 44-year-old former US House member from New York also vowed to make the US a leader in AI. Trump, who criticised the Biden administration’s focus on electric vehicles and championed expanded fossil fuel exploration, praised Zeldin for ensuring fair deregulation that would boost businesses while maintaining high environmental standards. (Image: Reuters)
