Donald Trump, fresh off his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, wasted no time in assembling his key Cabinet appointments. With Republicans holding control of both chambers of Congress, Trump is poised to wield significant power, making swift decisions on his administration’s leadership.
As part of his strategy, Trump has selected loyal allies for critical positions, ensuring that his second administration is a marked departure from his first. Trump has notably bypassed Senate confirmations for some of his key choices. Here’s a breakdown of the appointments made so far:
1. Susan Wiles – White House Chief of Staff
Susan Wiles, a central figure in Trump’s 2024 campaign, is set to become the first woman to serve as White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, often called the “ice maiden,” is a seasoned political strategist with decades of experience, including working on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign. She played a pivotal role in minimizing media backlash and helped secure Trump’s broad base of support, including outreach to Black and Latino voters.
2. Mike Waltz – National Security Adviser
Mike Waltz, a retired National Guard officer and three-term congressman from Florida, has been tapped to lead the National Security Council. A strong advocate for a tough stance on China, Waltz is also a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional India Caucus. His appointment signals Trump’s commitment to strengthening U.S.-India relations, especially in defense and security matters.
3. Tom Homan – Border Czar
Former ICE director Tom Homan, known for his hardline stance on immigration, has been appointed “border czar” to manage Trump’s immigration policies. Homan is a loyal Trump ally and is expected to oversee what Trump calls the “biggest deportation operation” in U.S. history, building on the controversial policies of the first administration.
4. Stephen Miller – Deputy Chief of Policy
Stephen Miller, a long-time Trump adviser known for his hardline views on immigration, will return as Deputy Chief of Policy. Miller was instrumental in shaping Trump’s immigration policies and rhetoric during his first term. He now leads America First Legal, an advocacy group challenging the Biden administration’s policies.
5. Elise Stefanik – UN Ambassador
Elise Stefanik, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, has been selected as Trump’s UN Ambassador. A staunch Trump supporter, Stefanik has been critical of the UN’s handling of international conflicts and has pushed for stronger support for Israel. She will represent American interests at the UN as Trump vows to end the war in Ukraine.
6. Lee Zeldin – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Head
Trump has chosen New York Representative Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA. Zeldin, a long-time ally, has vowed to restore U.S. energy dominance and promote deregulation to bolster American business. While his experience with environmental issues is limited, Zeldin will focus on policies that Trump says will “unleash the power of American businesses” while maintaining high environmental standards.
