US President-elect Donald Trump has outlined key nominations for his administration, signaling a commitment to conservative policies, regulatory rollback, and a restructuring of federal priorities.
Trump began to roll out his nominees and appointees just days after his election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Among them are some of his staunchest allies on Capitol Hill and key advisers to his 2024 campaign.
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Below are the highlights of his picks and their anticipated roles:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services. A controversial choice, Kennedy is known for his vaccine skepticism and alternative health views, raising concerns about the agency’s direction under his leadership
- Kristi Noem, South Dakota Governor, has been picked to lead the Department of Homeland Security. She is expected to implement aggressive immigration policies, including expanded deportations and enhanced border security
- Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, is nominated as Secretary of Energy. He is an outspoken advocate for fossil fuels and will likely prioritize deregulation in the energy sector while rolling back Biden-era climate initiatives
- Linda McMahon, former Small Business Administration head and WWE executive, is tapped for the role of Education Secretary. Trump aims to significantly reduce the Department of Education’s size and scope, reflecting broader Republican goals
- Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic congresswoman turned Republican, is set to serve as Director of National Intelligence. Her nomination aligns with Trump’s focus on a non-interventionist foreign policy and intelligence restructuring
- Lee Zeldin, former New York congressman, has been chosen as EPA Administrator. His leadership is anticipated to scale back environmental regulations, favoring industrial and energy development
- Doug Collins, a former Georgia representative and veteran, is nominated as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, where he will oversee a department facing financial strains and expanding responsibilities
- Elise Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally and House Republican leader, is nominated as Ambassador to the United Nations, with a focus on addressing global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine
- Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager, as his pick to lead the Treasury Department.
- Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to be the secretary of labor.
- Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Vought was one of the key authors of Project 2025, the controversial conservative policy blueprint, and was Trump’s budget director during his first administration.
- Dr. Dave Weldon, a former congressman, to lead the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as his surgeon general.
- Alex Wong as his principal deputy national security adviser
- Sebastian Gorka as his senior director for counterterrorism.
- Dr. Marty Makary to be the commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration.
- Scott Turner, a former NFL player, to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, known colloquially as HUD.
These appointments signal a return to Trump’s key policy priorities, including economic deregulation, reduced federal oversight, and a sharp shift in public health and environmental strategies
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
