Trump administration: Who's in, who's out?

President-elect Donald Trump has officially named campaign co-chair Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, marking the first appointment of his new administration. Wiles, an experienced Republican strategist, managed Trump’s winning campaign and is known for her steady leadership. She will be Trump’s first female chief of staff, overseeing daily operations and coordinating top officials as the administration takes shape.

With Trump set to return to the White House in January 2025, his team is screening a range of candidates for key cabinet positions, drawing a mix of Trump loyalists and newcomers.

Key Positions Under Consideration

Attorney General: Trump is reportedly looking for a loyalist to lead the Department of Justice after strained relationships with past attorneys general. Possible candidates include Judge Aileen Cannon, former DOJ lawyer Jeffrey Clark, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and former acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker.

Homeland Security Secretary: Former ICE director Tom Homan is the leading candidate, with a strong focus on Trump’s immigration policy. Other possible appointees include former acting Homeland Secretary Chad Wolf and Stephen Miller as a senior immigration advisor.

Secretary of State:  Sen. Marco Rubio is a top contender, as are entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Trump’s former ambassador to Japan, Sen. Bill Hagerty. Richard Grenell, a previous ambassador, is also in the running.

Energy Secretary:  North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a software entrepreneur and recent primary candidate, is a major candidate, along with former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette.

Press Secretary:  Karoline Leavitt, who served as Trump’s campaign press secretary, is expected to take on the White House role, while Elise Stefanik, a prominent Trump supporter, is being considered for UN ambassador.

Notable Potential Advisors and Appointees

Public Health and Government Efficiency:  Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken environmental lawyer and vaccine skeptic, is in the running to lead the Department of Health and Human Services or influence policy in health-related areas. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, may lead a proposed "Department of Government Efficiency" to streamline the federal bureaucracy and cut costs, with additional potential involvement in international diplomacy.

Who’s Out:  Trump has announced he will not be inviting former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley or ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo back to his team, following a fallout over primary competition and disagreements with his agenda. Additionally, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton and Utah Senator Mike Lee have indicated they will not join the administration.

The incoming administration, with new allies and loyal veterans, reflects Trump’s priorities and policy goals for a second term. The transition team is expected to continue reviewing and confirming key appointees in the coming weeks.

Source: BBC