Trump Cabinet Picks Thus Far
Over the last several days, President-Elect Trump has wasted no time tapping several Republican loyalists to be part of his cabinet. Announcements have come through various channels—not only from his transition team, but also on his social media platform, Truth Social, and via media leaks. Most of Trump’s selections for the roles will likely benefit from a relatively smooth confirmation process since Republicans will control the Senate.
Positions that Require Senate Conformation
Secretary of Homeland Security - Kristi Noem
Noem, a strong Trump supporter and former VP contender, sent South Dakota National Guard troops to the southwest border at least five times during her tenure as governor, aligning with Trump’s aggressive rhetoric on the issue. If confirmed by the GOP-controlled Senate, she will have a wide mandate to implement the comprehensive crackdown he pledged on the campaign trail, including mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, increased hiring of border agents, and the expansion of detention facilities.
Secretary of State - Marco Rubio
Since joining the Senate in 2011, Marco Rubio has been a prominent voice in GOP foreign policy and could introduce more traditional Republican perspectives as Secretary of State in Trump’s administration. Rubio takes a hard-line stance on issues like Iran and Cuba but supports maintaining international alliances, such as NATO, which Trump has questioned. His confirmation is expected to proceed smoothly, likely without opposition.
Environmental Protection Agency - Lee Zelden
Former New York Representative Lee Zeldin is perhaps best known for his unexpectedly strong 2022 gubernatorial race against Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, where he advocated for lifting the state’s ban on natural gas fracking. A U.S. Army veteran, Zeldin served seven terms in Congress, where he was one of only two Jewish Republicans and sat on both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Financial Services Committee. He ultimately lost his bid for reelection in 2022.
Ambassador to the United Nations - Elise Stefanik
Elise Stefanik, a steadfast supporter of Israel and outspoken critic of the United Nations, has represented New York in Congress since 2015. A former aide to George W. Bush, Stefanik rose to national attention through her passionate defenses of the president-elect during Trump’s first impeachment trial in 2019 and her assertive questioning of university presidents regarding Gaza protests last spring. As chair of the House Republican Conference and with strong connections across Congress, her nomination is expected to face minimal resistance from Senate Republicans.
Director of the CIA - John Ratcliffe
Ratcliffe, a former attorney and four-term Republican lawmaker from Texas, served as Trump’s director of national intelligence from 2020 to 2021, solidifying his standing as a strong presidential ally and vocal critic of U.S. intelligence agencies. Although his confirmation to the DNI role was narrowly secured by the Senate four years ago, he may face a smoother process in next year's GOP-controlled Senate.
Secretary of Defense - Pete Hegseth
Hegseth, a Fox News host for the past eight years and an Army veteran with service in Iraq and Afghanistan, is somewhat of an outsider, lacking Pentagon or government experience beyond his military background. Though an unexpected choice, Hegseth was an early supporter of Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign, at a time when many leading Republicans were critical of the New York billionaire. He was previously considered for a role in Trump’s first administration but was ultimately not selected.
Director of National Intelligence - Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman from Hawaii who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, left the party in 2022 and joined the Republican Party in October after endorsing Trump earlier that year. Her selection is expected to face opposition in the Senate, as she lacks experience in intelligence matters and has been critical of U.S. interventions in Ukraine and Syria, often suggesting that the U.S. provoked Russia into adopting aggressive policies.
Attorney General - Matt Gaetz
Trump’s choice of Gaetz highlights one of his most outspoken and divisive supporters, a figure who has sparked animosity even among fellow Republicans while remaining staunchly loyal to Trump. Gaetz, who was first elected to Congress in 2016 from Florida, is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged sex trafficking, although a similar probe by the Justice Department resulted in no criminal charges.
Positions That Do Not Require the Confirmation of Senate
Though not a formal cabinet role, Rep. Mike Waltz has been selected by Trump as National Security Advisor, a position that does not require Senate confirmation. Waltz, a former Army Green Beret and longtime Trump ally, has become a prominent voice in Congress critiquing China. Since his 2018 election, he has led initiatives to reduce U.S. dependency on Chinese critical minerals and protect American universities from potential Chinese espionage.
Trump is also anticipated to formally appoint Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. Previously a senior adviser and lead speechwriter during Trump’s first term, Miller has been a prominent advocate for stricter immigration policies and is expected to play an expanded role in the president-elect’s second term. Actively involved in Trump’s transition process, Miller will also be influential in upcoming staffing decisions.
Trump picked former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee to serve as US ambassador to Israel. Huckabee’s daughter and current Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders served as Trump’s press secretary during his first administration. Mike Huckabee has been a strong defender of Israel throughout the course of his career – including what he says is the country’s claims to the West Bank. His selection will come as a welcome culmination of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long mission to shore up ties to American Evangelical Christians.
In an interesting pairing, Trump has tapped Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new 'Department of Government Efficiency.' Trump said the commission will "provide advice and guidance from outside of government," partnering with the White House and Office of Management and Budget "to drive large-scale structural reform" throughout the federal government. He said the team's work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026.
Dan Scavino will be returning to the White House as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff. He was a Trump Campaign Senior Advisor and remains one of Trump's longest serving advisors.
Stephen Miller will be returning to the White House as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor.
James Blair will be returning to the White House as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political, and Public Affairs. Blair was the Trump Campaign and Republican National Committee Political Director, managing hundreds of staff and overseeing a wide portfolio of political operations.
Taylor Budowich will serve as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Personnel. Prior to joining the Trump Campaign, he served in a senior position in Trump’s leadership PAC, Save America, and as CEO of the pro-Trump Super PAC, MAGA Inc.