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Trump’s Cabinet Picks Signal Shifts in Policy and Priorities

President-elect Trump completes his Cabinet picks, featuring pro-union voices, Wall Street allies, and policy shifts in housing, labor, and agriculture.

President-elect Donald Trump attends a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on Nov. 19, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas. | Brandon Bell/Getty Images

As President-elect Donald Trump finalizes his Cabinet, the selections offer insight into his administration’s anticipated priorities. From the Treasury to Housing and Urban Development, Trump’s choices reflect a mix of political allies, surprise appointments, and potential policy reversals.

GOP Pushback on Congressional Power

While Trump is moving swiftly to shape his team, some Republican lawmakers are pushing back against efforts to bypass Congress’s authority, particularly regarding federal spending and Senate confirmations. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) noted that GOP senators are unlikely to cede control, signaling potential tension between Trump and his party in the months ahead.

Key Cabinet Announcements

  • Pam Bondi for Attorney General
    Trump’s replacement for Matt Gaetz as attorney general has been met with cautious optimism. While Bondi is viewed as a more conventional choice, Justice Department staff remain skeptical, questioning whether she will bring significant change or maintain a similar approach to her predecessor.
  • Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary
    Hedge fund manager and longtime Trump ally Scott Bessent is poised to make history as the first openly gay Treasury secretary if confirmed. His nomination signals Trump’s continued ties to Wall Street and potential shifts in financial policy.
  • Brooke Rollins for Agriculture Secretary
    The surprise selection of Brooke Rollins, a former director in Trump’s first-term administration, has drawn attention due to behind-the-scenes infighting over the role. Rollins is expected to bring a pro-Trump policy perspective to the department.
  • Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Labor Secretary
    The appointment of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican from Oregon who lost her House seat this year, is a departure from Trump’s traditionally business-focused approach. Chavez-DeRemer is seen as a pro-union voice, an unexpected choice in an administration anticipated to favor corporate interests.
  • Scott Turner for HUD Secretary
    Former NFL player and political leader Scott Turner will head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner is expected to prioritize cutting HUD funding and rolling back Biden-era fair housing initiatives.

What’s Next?

With all Cabinet secretary positions now filled, Trump’s administration will turn its focus to Senate confirmations. However, tensions between Trump and GOP lawmakers could complicate the process, particularly as the Senate asserts its constitutional powers.

The choices reflect Trump’s dual approach: consolidating support among loyalists while introducing figures likely to reshape federal policies in housing, labor, and agriculture. How these shifts unfold will set the tone for his presidency’s early days.

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