Key Square Group founder Scott Bessent speaks at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. August 14, 2024. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake/File Photo
Trump’s Potential Cabinet and Key Administration Picks
With Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory, the selection process for cabinet and high-level administration positions is underway. Here are the primary contenders for key roles across defense, intelligence, diplomacy, trade, immigration, and economic policy:
Treasury Secretary Contenders
- Scott Bessent – An economic advisor to Trump, hedge fund veteran, and proponent of laissez-faire policies, though supportive of selective tariffs as economic leverage.
- John Paulson – Billionaire hedge fund manager and Trump donor, known for advocating tax cuts, deregulation, and targeted tariffs for national security.
- Larry Kudlow – Former National Economic Council director, with a broadly aligned stance with Trump but privately skeptical of extensive tariffs.
- Robert Lighthizer – Trump’s former U.S. Trade Representative, a tariff advocate who played a central role in the China trade war and the USMCA renegotiation.
- Howard Lutnick – CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and vocal supporter of Trump’s economic policies, though his direct style has sparked criticism within Trump’s circle.
National Security Adviser
- Richard Grenell – A close Trump foreign policy adviser and former acting Director of National Intelligence. Known for his controversial stances, he could also be positioned in roles that don’t require Senate confirmation.
Secretary of State
- Robert O’Brien – Trump’s final National Security Adviser, known for his hawkish views, particularly on China, and advocacy for banning TikTok.
- Bill Hagerty – Current U.S. Senator and former Ambassador to Japan, Hagerty is seen as a solid choice due to his bipartisan relations and policy alignment with Trump.
- Marco Rubio – U.S. Senator from Florida with a focus on Latin American policy and solid Republican ties, making him a viable candidate for Secretary of State.
Secretary of Defense
- Mike Waltz – U.S. Congressman and former Army Green Beret known for his strong stance against China, especially regarding critical mineral reliance.
- Mike Pompeo – Former Secretary of State and CIA Director with a pro-Ukraine stance, positioning him somewhat apart from the administration’s views on Ukraine aid.
- Tom Cotton – U.S. Senator from Arkansas and military veteran, a staunch hawk within the GOP who has consistently supported military aid for Ukraine.
Homeland Security Secretary
- Tom Homan – Former acting director of ICE, known for his firm stance on immigration and support for Trump’s family separation policies.
- Chad Wolf – Former acting DHS secretary who implemented Trump’s immigration policies but resigned amid controversy post-Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
- Mark Green – Current chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, Green is a Trump loyalist with experience in legislative immigration matters.
Attorney General
- John Ratcliffe – Former DNI with strong Trump loyalty, though his stance against career intelligence assessments has drawn criticism.
- Mike Lee – U.S. Senator from Utah with deep Republican ties, a vocal advocate for Trump, and involved in the legal defense around the 2020 election.
Chief of Staff
- Susie Wiles – Co-campaign manager known for running a disciplined campaign and seen as likely to bring stability to Trump’s team.
- Brooke Rollins – Former Domestic Policy Council director and Trump ally, known for a moderate approach, especially in advocating criminal justice reform.
Other National Security and Intelligence Roles
- Keith Kellogg – Retired lieutenant general and former National Security Council chief of staff, considered for multiple security-related roles.
- Kash Patel – Trump loyalist and former defense and intelligence official, touted by some for CIA director but controversial within the intelligence community.
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