President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, signifying a shift from their earlier political rivalry. Rubio, known for his distinct foreign policy perspectives, aligns with Trump's broader international strategies.
Rubio's nomination marks a historic milestone as he would be the first Latino to assume this role. His strong positions on China and NATO are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the United States' foreign diplomacy.
The Senate confirmed former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence in February 2025. In recent years, Gabbard has gone from a 2020 Democratic presidential nominee to an avid Trump supporter.
Gabbard has openly criticized past U.S. military inventions, but her own foreign policy views, specifically a 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have been highly criticized as well. Since being confirmed, she will lead 18 of the nation’s intelligence agencies.
Former 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Despite being an outspoken anti-vaxxer, Kennedy will oversee major health programs like Medicare and Medicaid if confirmed.
Kennedy claims he will address corruption within health agencies and restore scientific integrity in pursuit of improving America's overall health standards. Former Vice President Mike Pence has called for the Senate to reject the nomination because of his stance on abortion.
Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth has been nominated as Defense Secretary, despite no senior military or national security experience. He recently gained attention for saying handwashing wasn’t important and germs weren’t real.
Hegseth's nomination is further complicated by past SA allegations, which he has denied. Despite these controversies, Trump praises Hegseth's dedication to military priorities and sees him as a key figure in advancing an "America First" defense strategy.
Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has been tapped as Attorney General. This office is the one responsible for prosecuting Trump, and he has been adamant about putting someone who will shake things up in the position. Gaetz has a reputation as a disruptor with plans to overhaul the Justice Department.
Gaetz has allegations of SA working against him—and a three-year Congressional investigation that might or might not still be released since his unprecedented resignation after his nomination. However, on November 21, 2024, Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for the position, explaining that his confirmation had become a "distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition" on X.
Trump plans to establish the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing the richest man in the world Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, as its leaders. The department aims to streamline federal operations, reduce wasteful spending, and enhance transparency across government functions.
Elon Musk, known for his innovative leadership in tech, and Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate, were chosen for their expertise in efficiency and reform. Both aim to transform government processes, aligning them with Trump's vision for a leaner, more effective government.
Trump has nominated North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary. Known for his business acumen and energy sector experience, Burgum is expected to advance Trump's agenda of increasing fossil fuel production on public lands.
If confirmed, Burgum's leadership at the Interior Department will focus on boosting energy development, leveraging his background in technology and governance. His appointment comes as part of Trump's strategy to enhance U.S. energy independence and streamline federal land management.
Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, has been nominated as Energy Secretary. Known for his stance against climate change activism, Wright is expected to support Trump's agenda of maximizing fossil fuel production and enhancing U.S. energy dominance.
Wright's leadership will likely focus on expanding traditional energy sources and overseeing the Department of Energy's involvement in nuclear power and technological advancements. His nomination aligns with Trump's vision of reducing regulatory barriers and prioritizing energy industry growth.
Former Congressman Doug Collins is nominated as Veterans Affairs Secretary. Collins, an Air Force Reserve chaplain and Iraq War veteran, is expected to advocate for improved benefits and support for veterans and military families.
Collins will focus on streamlining operations and reducing regulations within the Department of Veterans Affairs. His leadership aims to enhance care for over 9 million veterans, aligning with Trump's commitment to prioritize the needs of service members and their families.
Trump has nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. Known for her staunch support of border security, Noem is expected to play a crucial role in implementing Trump's immigration policies and securing the nation's borders.
In her new role, Noem will oversee agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection and FEMA, focusing on enhancing national security. Her appointment reflects Trump's emphasis on immigration reform and her status as a long-time Trump loyalist.
Linda McMahon, once CEO of WWE and head of the Small Business Administration, is picked by Donald Trump to be Education Secretary. She plans to use her business skills to improve how schools are run.
McMahon's appointment suggests a focus on decentralizing education, reflecting Trump's campaign promises to shift control back to states. She is expected to handle cultural issues and support school choice, which could change education policies in the country.
