Donald Trump has begun forming his cabinet and selecting top administration officials following his presidential election win, a process that involves appointing leaders to oversee key sectors.
The structure of the Trump 2.0 White House has left many “stunned” and “appalled,” with some of his choices even causing friction among Republicans. George Conway, a lawyer and activist, remarked that Trump’s nominations “would arguably have been the worst in American history.”
Here are the appointees and their roles:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Matt Gaetz
Representative Matt Gaetz, a staunch Trump supporter, has been appointed Attorney General. Despite not being mentioned as a candidate in media reports, Gaetz’s selection has sparked concerns due to serious allegations against him and the critical responsibilities of leading the Justice Department.
DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Tulsi Gabbard
Former Democratic representative and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard will lead the U.S. intelligence community. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 to become an independent before endorsing Trump, lacks formal intelligence experience, raising doubts about her capability to handle the role effectively.
SECRETARY OF STATE: Marco Rubio
Senator Marco Rubio, a former presidential rival turned ally, will oversee U.S. foreign relations. Known for his hawkish stance on China, Rubio has advocated for treating India as a top-tier ally, similar to Japan and Israel, particularly in technology transfers.
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: Dan Scavino
Longtime Trump aide Dan Scavino will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff and assistant to the president. Trump described Scavino as a “best-in-class adviser on my winning campaign.”
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR LEGISLATIVE, POLITICAL, AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS: James Blair
James Blair, Trump’s campaign political director, will oversee legislative and public affairs. Blair played a key role in grassroots outreach and shaping Trump’s economic messaging during the election.
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND PERSONNEL: Taylor Budowich
Former head of MAGA Inc. super PAC, Taylor Budowich, has been appointed to handle communications and personnel, alongside other key advisors like Dan Scavino and Stephen Miller.
HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISER AND DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR POLICY: Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller will assume dual roles, focusing on strict immigration policies, including limiting H-1B visas. This has raised concerns within the tech industry.
DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY: Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk
This newly created department will be led by entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Their mission includes dismantling bureaucracy, cutting regulations, and restructuring federal agencies.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: Pete Hegseth
Fox & Friends Weekend co-host and combat veteran Pete Hegseth has been chosen as Secretary of Defense. Critics, including former defense officials, have questioned his qualifications for the role.
CIA DIRECTOR: John Ratcliffe
John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, will head the CIA. Ratcliffe has faced criticism for allegedly politicizing intelligence assessments during his previous tenure.
WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL: William McGinley
William McGinley, a seasoned Republican lawyer and former White House cabinet secretary, will advance Trump’s “America First” agenda as White House Counsel.
SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE MIDDLE EAST: Steve Witkoff
Real estate investor and philanthropist Steve Witkoff has been appointed as Middle East Special Envoy. Trump praised Witkoff’s leadership and commitment to peace.
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL: Mike Huckabee
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will represent the U.S. in Israel. Huckabee, a staunch Israel supporter, opposes the two-state solution and has dismissed the idea of Palestinian statehood.
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Mike Waltz
Representative Mike Waltz, a former National Guard colonel, will serve as National Security Adviser. Waltz has emphasized countering China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific.
HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: Kristi Noem
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem will lead the Department of Homeland Security, overseeing immigration, cybersecurity, and anti-terrorism efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR: Lee Zeldin
Former Representative Lee Zeldin will head the EPA. Trump has promised to roll back regulations and boost U.S. energy production under Zeldin’s leadership.
BORDER CZAR: Tom Homan
Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan will oversee mass deportations, prioritizing the removal of immigrants posing safety and security threats.
U.N. AMBASSADOR: Elise Stefanik
Representative Elise Stefanik has been nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Trump praised Stefanik as a “strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.”
CHIEF OF STAFF: Susie Wiles
Trump campaign co-manager Susie Wiles will become the first woman to serve as Chief of Staff. Supporters hope Wiles will bring order and discipline to the administration.
Trump’s cabinet selections reflect his internal and global policy priorities. They also offer optimism for strengthening U.S.-India relations.