With the election of Donald Trump this month, his transition team has kicked into high gear, picking several key figures to lead Trump’s Presidential Cabinet. During Trump’s first term, multiple cabinet changes occurred, with four different Chiefs of Staff, and dozens of others who were fired or quit, so the political world has been wary of the permanence of any choices made at this point. Here is a snapshot of the announced incoming administration that will obtain power in January if they are approved by a majority in the Senate. 

Pete Hegseth – Defense Secretary 

Former Army Major and Fox News co-host Pete Hegseth has been chosen to lead our defense. He is a staunch Trump supporter and an advocate for veteran issues, he has previously spoken against military policies regarding transgender members, abortion policy, and their acceptance of LGBTQ members. He also has advocated for the removal of women from combat roles. Defense officials have been confused by this pick, as Hegseth is viewed as an outsider to the government.

Matt Gaetz – Attorney General (DOJ) 

Matt Gaetz is a US representative from Florida and has been an unwavering ally for Donald Trump in the last few years. He is a leader in the America First Caucus (a key House voting bloc) and a leading voice on the far right of US politics. He was one of the few Republicans who voted against Kevin McCarthy as House speaker, causing a week-long and 15-round fight for the seat. He was previously under investigation by the Department of Justice for sex trafficking a minor and illicit drug use, but no charges were pursued. He also is currently under investigation for the same charges by the House Ethics Committee, but the findings have been sealed after he resigned from the House to pursue the Attorney General role. 

Marco Rubio – Secretary of State

Marco Rubio has been one of Florida’s US Senators since 2011, with a failed presidential run in 2016. He has been a close advisor and ally to Trump during this cycle, and sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He adamantly supports Israel and an end to the Ukraine-Russia War, more action against Iran, and demands more investment and commitment from NATO allies. He also supports the “America First” approach to diplomacy, and focuses on North and South America’s needs before the rest of the world. 

Mike Huckabee – Ambassador to Israel 

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee has been selected as ambassador to Israel during a critical time of hostility between Israel and Hamas. Huckabee is a strong supporter of Israel, and Palestinian advocates are worried he will take a hard-line stance on the Palestinian state. He supports a single-state Israel for the Jewish people. 

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy – Department of Government Efficiency 

Tech billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have been tapped to lead a new department focused on reducing the government deficit, cutting “government bloat,” and getting rid of old regulations. Though neither have government experience, Trump is investing in them on a mission to cut down the size of the government. They will serve as key advisors to Trump as he tries to shrink the government’s size.

Kristi Noem – Department of Homeland Security

Trump nominated Noem to lead DHS, an agency vital to his proposed policies on immigration. Noem is the governor of South Dakota, and another loyal ally to Trump during his campaign. She takes a harsher stance on illegal immigration, and vows to serve Trump’s new policy on deportation. 

Thomas Homan – “Border Czar” 

A former police officer, Thomas Homan is going to be a top immigration official for the United States under Trump. With this appointment, Trump intends to begin his plan of mass deportation of illegal immigrants. He worked under Trump during his first presidency, as the head of ICE. He is listed as a co-author of Project 2025.

Robert F. Kennedy – Department of Health and Human Services

RFK was previously a third party candidate, who has since endorsed Trump. He has been outspoken about a “Make America Healthy Again” movement to push back against rising obesity and pharmaceutical companies. He also is part of the anti-vax movement. 

Overall, Trump’s picks reflect that he wants to keep a loyal cabinet that will faithfully carry out his policies. These candidates are considered only nominees at this point, and may be subject to change.