President-elect Donald Trump has announced several key appointments, enlisting close allies and prominent backers.
Among them, Kash Patel, a trusted aide with a background in national security, has been appointed to a senior advisory role in overseeing defence and intelligence policies. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will head a newly proposed “Department of Government Efficiency” to streamline federal operations, and Fox News host and combat veteran Pete Hegseth is nominated as Secretary of Defence.
Former intelligence director John Ratcliffe is set to lead the CIA, while longtime Trump lawyer William McGinley will serve as White House counsel. Real estate investor Steven Witkoff is named special envoy to the Middle East, and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will be ambassador to Israel.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is chosen to lead the Department of Homeland Security, and Rep Elise Stefanik is nominated as US Ambassador to the UN.
For Secretary of State, Trump is considering Sen. Marco Rubio, while Lee Zeldin is tapped to head the EPA.
Trump’s key appointments continue with Stephen Miller, who is expected to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff for policy.
The role of “border czar” goes to former ICE Director Tom Homan, as Trump plans for stricter immigration enforcement. The administration is also considering various candidates for attorney general, treasury, and defence roles, prioritising candidates with loyalty to Trump’s policies.
Donald Trump recently secured victory in the 2024 US presidential election, marking a return to the White House after his first term from 2017 to 2021.
This win comes as a significant political comeback, following his defeat in the 2020 election to President Joe Biden. Trump’s campaign focused heavily on issues like border security, economic growth, government reform, and a strong “America First” policy.
Throughout the campaign, he emphasised restoring what he described as stability and strength to the country, drawing strong support from his base. His victory brings a renewed focus on his key policies and an administration filled with allies and figures loyal to his agenda.
