MAGA Team: See Donald Trump’s top picks for proposed cabinet
Policy advocate Brooke Rollins joins a billionaire hedge fund manager, an ex-WWE boss, and a TV doctor as one of the top characters proposed for the Trump cabinet. See who else is in.
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Donald Trump has taken a “blowtorch to the deep state” with a MAGA team set to up-end the United States justice system, defence department, homeland security, and intelligence apparatus.
Former adviser Steven Bannon, recently released from federal prison, is one of the driving forces behind some of the characters proposed for the incoming Trump administration.
“The hunted are becoming the hunters,” Mr Bannon said on his War Room podcast.
“Oh my lord. This city. Things will never be the same when we get this new team in place,” he added.
TRUMP’S DREAM TEAM – SEE THE LIST BELOW
Brooke Rollins
Agriculture Secretary
Fracking magnate
Donald Trump has announced his pick for agriculture secretary – the final top post in his incoming cabinet – policy advocate Brooke Rollins, a loyalist from his first term.
Ms Rollins, 52, is the CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Trump’s agenda that is often described as his “White House in waiting.”
Ms Rollins, if confirmed by the Senate, would command a sprawling agency that has major implications for American citizens and corporations.
It employs some 100,000 people and oversees farm programs, research and trade, food safety, animal and plant health, and the nation’s forests.
It also manages the nation’s food assistance program, which has over 40 million recipients.
Trump hailed his nominee’s “commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns.”
Ms Rollins temporarily led Trump’s Domestic Policy Council during his first term.
As a more traditional conservative, there is potential for her to butt heads with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for health secretary who has been a vocal opponent to the corporate agriculture industry.
He has pledged to improve American nutrition by cracking down on ultra-processed foods and toxic chemicals.
Scott Bessent
Treasury secretary
Donald Trump has named billionaire Scott Bessent as his Treasury secretary, choosing the hedge fund manager to help execute an agenda promising tax cuts and tariffs.
Bessent, who is chief executive officer of Key Square Group, has called for an extension of tax cuts from Trump’s first term, wants to reassert American energy dominance, and believes it is necessary to deal with the budget deficit.
“Scott is widely respected as one of the world’s foremost international investors and geopolitical and economic strategists,” Mr Trump said in a statement.
“He will help me usher in a new Golden Age for the United States, as we fortify our position as the world’s leading economy,” adding Bessent would also help “reinvigorate the private sector, and help curb the unsustainable path of federal debt.”
Bessent’s nomination puts him at the forefront of rolling out the president-elect’s economic plan, from seeing tax cuts through Congress to managing ties with countries like China.
The position carries influence over both domestic and international policy. With Mr Trump promising sweeping tariffs on allies and adversaries alike, all eyes will be on how his new Treasury chief – who recently served as an economic adviser to Mr Trump – walks the line between supporting these efforts and fanning trade tensions that might roil the global economy.
The Treasury Department has oversight across a range of departments, from federal finances to bank supervision. The portfolio also oversees US sanctions.
Bessent, who is from South Carolina, has known the Trump family for 30 years and said he was friends with the president-elect’s brother.
“I was all-in for President Trump. I was one of the few Wall Street people backing him,” he said.
Pam Bondi
Attorney-General
Donald Trump tapped Pam Bondi, a staunch ally who helped defend the ex-leader against impeachment and joined lawyers who sought to overturn President Joe Biden’s election, as US attorney general.
“I am proud to announce former Attorney-General of the Great State of Florida, Pam Bondi, as our next Attorney-General of the United States,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network, following US politician Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration.
Mr Gaetz, who is fighting allegations of sexual misconduct, announced his decision with a post on X.
“It is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Mr Gaetz wrote.
“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney-General.”
I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024
The US President-elect reacted on his Truth Social platform: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney-General,” Mr Trump said about 20 minutes after Gaetz announced he was pulling out.
“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” he added.
“Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
Linda McMahon
Secretary of Education
Linda McMahon, 76, previously served as the head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term and she is the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, a company she started with her husband, Vince McMahon.
“Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World,” Mr Trump wrote in his announcement.
Ms McMahon previously owned the wrestling juggernaut with her husband Vince and was a regular fixture of the broadcasts, often jumping in the ring to banter with the stars.
The 76-year-old businesswoman has been instrumental in the Trump campaign and is currently serving as co-chair of his transition committee.
She was also part of his former cabinet where she headed up the Small Business Administration.
America remains bitterly divided on education with some states banning books and discussing certain topics in the classroom including gender identity and critical race theory.
Mr Trump addressed some of these issues in naming Ms McMahon in the key role.
Matthew Whitaker
NATO ambassador
Matthew Whitaker served as acting attorney general during Trump’s first term and has long criticised NATO as overly reliant on American money
NATO has been bracing for Trump’s return to the White House after he threatened in February to stop guaranteeing US protection for member states if he did not believe they contributed enough financially.
Howard Lutnick
Commerce Secretary
Howard Lutnick is the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and the co-chair of the Trump transition team.
As commerce secretary Mr Lutnick, 63, will be responsible actioning Mr Trump’s planned tariffs on imported goods.
Elon Musk sang Mr Lutnick’s praises in recent days saying he “will actually enact change.”
Dr Mehmet Oz
Medicare and Medicaid Services boss
US President-elect Donald Trump has picked TV star Dr Mehmet Oz to run the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Mr Trump said in a statement that Dr Oz would work closely with Health and Human Services Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr “to take on the illness industrial complex, and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake”.
Dr Oz, who unsuccessfully ran for the Senate two years ago, hosted the daytime talk show The Dr. Oz Show from 2009 to 2022.
Over the years, he has been criticised for his support of pseudoscience, homoeopathy and alternative medicines, Variety reports.
Mr Trump said: “Dr Oz will be a leader in incentivising Disease Prevention, so we get the best results in the World for every dollar we spend on Healthcare in our Great Country.
“He will also cut waste and fraud within our Country’s most expensive Government Agency, which is a third of our Nation’s Healthcare spend, and a quarter of our entire National Budget.”
Brendan Carr
Federal Communications Commission boss
Mr Trump picked Brendan Carr, a pro-Trump member of the Federal Communications Commission, to lead the agency that regulates US broadcasting, telecommunications, broadband and other related industries.
Carr has claimed Google, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft ‘censor’ Americans and has been a harsh critic of the FCC’s decision not to finalise nearly $900m in broadband subsidies for Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite internet unit Starlink.
“Commissioner Carr is a warrior for Free Speech, and has fought against the regulatory Lawfare that has stifled Americans’ Freedoms, and held back our Economy,” Mr Trump said in a statement.
“He will end the regulatory onslaught that has been crippling America’s Job Creators and Innovators, and ensure that the FCC delivers for rural America.”
Matt Whitaker
US Ambassador to NATO
Matt Whitaker served as acting attorney general during Mr Trump’s first term and has now been named ambassador to The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
“Matt is a strong warrior and loyal Patriot, who will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended. Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability – He will put AMERICA FIRST,” Mr Trump said on Wednesday.
Chris Wright
Energy Secretary
Mr Trump has nominated fracking magnate and climate change sceptic Chris Wright as energy secretary, tasking him with “cutting red tape” which the new administration hopes will drive investment in fossil fuels.
“As Secretary of Energy, Chris will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new ‘Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace,” Mr Trump said in a statement.
Mr Wright is a founder of Liberty Energy, which serves the energy companies that have massively increased US fossil fuel production in recent years by extracting oil and gas from shale fields in a process known as “fracking.”
In a LinkedIn post, Mr Wright denied that there was a “climate crisis.”
During his election campaign, Mr Trump promised to boost the domestic fossil fuel industry in order to bring down energy prices which have fuelled inflation for consumers.
He also pledged to tear up environmental regulations and the United States’ commitments to combat climate change under the landmark 2015 Paris accords.
Steven Cheung
Director of Communications
Sergio Gor
Director of the Presidential Personnel Office
Mr Trump said: “Steven Cheung and Sergio Gor have been trusted advisers since my first Presidential Campaign in 2016 and have continued to champion America First principles throughout my First Term, all the way through our Historic Victory in 2024.”
Karoline Leavitt
White House press secretary
The Messenger
One of the youngest people to hold the key position of White House press secretary will be 27-year-old campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt after Trump appointed his national campaign press secretary to the role.
Leavitt, who gave birth to her first child in July, will act as the face of the White House and field questions from the media. Trump says Leavitt “is smart, tough and has proven to be a highly effective communicator” who will “excel at the podium and help deliver our message to the American People.”
Michael Waltz
National security adviser
The Hawk
The first Green Beret to serve in Congress, the China Hawk and has been a fierce critic of Biden-Harris foreign policy.
He is an ardent Trump supporter, calling him a “disrupter” and “a lot of people … in the Pentagon need that disruption”. Trump calls Waltz a “tremendous champion” of “peace through strength”.
Kristi Noem
Homeland security secretary
Puppy killer
She famously illustrated her willingness to take on the “difficult, messy and ugly” side of politics with a story of shooting her “untrainable” dog and was once seen as a potential Trump running mate.
As South Dakota’s governor she gained national prominence after refusing to impose a statewide Covid-19 mask mandate.
Tom Homan
Immigration supremo
‘Border tsar’
An ex-policeman, Homan was the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump’s last administration. Trump says he will be “in charge of all deportation of illegal aliens back to their country of origin”.
Homan’s message is clear: “You better start packing now.”
Susie Wiles
Chief of staff
Ice Maiden
The first woman to hold the position likes to avoid the spotlight, but has a reputation as a formidable political operator.
As campaign manager, “the ice maiden” – in Trump’s words – was vital to his win.
She has reportedly sought more control over access to the Oval Office than her predecessors.
Stephen Miller
Deputy chief of staff for policy
Immigration hardliner
The immigration hardliner was a senior adviser to Trump during his first White House stint and is credited with shaping policies that saw immigrant children separated from their parents.
When Trump left office, Miller set up America First Legal fighting for conservative causes in the courts.
Elise Stefanik
Ambassador to the United Nations
America First fighter
A longtime Trump ally, the Republican politician has represented New York since 2015.
Trump calls her a “strong, tough, and smart America First fighter”.
She is a staunch defender of Israel.
Lee Zeldin
Environmental Protection Agency administrator
Red tape raider
Zeldin has promised to “restore US energy dominance, revitalise our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI”.
He’s not known for environmental advocacy and has said his first priority is to “roll back regulations” causing American businesses to struggle.
Mike Huckabee
Ambassador to Israel
GOP royalty
The former Arkansas governor – whose daughter Sarah Huckabee Sanders served as Trump’s press secretary – is an evangelical Christian and vocal supporter of Israel, including its settlements in the occupied West Bank.
“He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him,” Trump said.
John Ratcliffe
CIA director
Warrior for truth
The former Texas congressman was director of national intelligence in Trump’s last administration.
Trump has called him a “warrior for truth and honesty”, saying he will defend constitutional rights while ensuring national security. Ratcliffe’s last high-profile defence was of Trump during impeachment hearings.
Pete Hegseth
Defence Secretary
Warrior for the troops
In a surprise move, the Fox News host and Afghanistan and Iraq veteran takes on one of the most prominent roles in government.
“America’s enemies are on notice – our military will be great again, and America will never back down,” Trump said.
Elon Musk
Joint leader Department of Government Efficiency
World’s richest man
Trump has tasked the Space X billionaire and Vivek Ramaswamy to “dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies”.
Musk said: “This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!”
Vivek Ramaswamy
Joint leader Department of Government Efficiency
Biotech billionaire
Ramaswamy, who ran for the Republican presidential nomination, will team with Elon Musk in his new role.
Trump has called their mission to slash government spending “the Manhattan Project of our time”, referencing America’s World War II effort to produce the first nuclear weapons.
Marco Rubio
Secretary of State
Little Marco
The Republican senator was dismissed as “Little Marco” by Trump when they were both in the presidential race in 2016, but now the president-elect says he’s a “fearless warrior who will never back down to our adversaries”.
Rubio has said China, Iran, North Korea and Russia share one goal, “to weaken America”.
Tulsi Gabbard
Director of National Intelligence
Late convert
The former Democratic congresswoman – who ran for that party’s presidential nomination in 2020 – joined the Republican Party late in the 2024 campaign and has been a vocal Trump supporter.
She will now oversee multiple intelligence agencies, with Trump praising her “fearless spirit”.
Robert F Kennedy Jr
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary
Anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist
RFK Jr dropped out of the presidential race to endorse Trump, who announced the health appointment with the words “promises made, promises kept”.
The man charged with making “America Great and Healthy Again” is a high profile campaigner against vaccines and health measures such as water fluoridation.
He may be Donald Trump’s incoming secretary of health and human services but that didn’t stop Robert F. Kennedy Jr from indulging in the President-elect’s favourite fast food — a McDonald’s burger and fries washed down with a bottle of Coke.
A picture of Mr Kennedy holding a Big Mac on board Trump Force One after the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden, alongside Mr Trump, Donald Trump Jr and Elon Musk, has caused a storm on social media.
Mr Kennedy has previously described Mr Trump’s diet as “poison”.
The President-elect has famously claimed to have never touched alcohol or cigarettes in his life but is a huge fan of fast food, particularly McDonald’s.
– with AFP
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Originally published as MAGA Team: See Donald Trump’s top picks for proposed cabinet
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