TRUMP’S CABINET HEADS: MEET THE LEADERS SHAPING OUR GOVERNMENT

President-elect Donald Trump is assembling his team for his second term in the Oval Office. The cabinet members are rolling in and these leaders will help shape policy while advising Trump over his time in the White House. Get to know Trump’s cabinet heads who will help shape our nation over the next four years:
Who Are Trump’s Cabinet Heads?
Trump’s cabinet heads are beginning to take shape. However, keep in mind that during his first term as President, Trump’s cabinet turned over at an astounding rate of 91%, so even though selections are coming in, they might not stay.
Nevertheless, the cabinet’s job is to provide expert advice on a wide range of topics facing our nation, making these positions influential and important from a political level as well as how they affect us as citizens.
Here’s a closer look at some of the members of Trump's cabinet, so far:
Chief of Staff
In a surprising pick, Trump selected his campaign adviser Susie Wiles for the role of Chief of Staff.
Wiles is a well-seasoned political operative but remains a Washington outsider, conducting most of her previous professional efforts in the state of Florida.
Yet, her experience has a resume that includes names like Ronald Reagan, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, and Rick Scott.
The daughter of NFL and Army Veteran Pat Summerall, Wiles has been by Trump's side throughout his presidential run and will now hold one of the most influential positions in his cabinet.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff
Stephen Miller is joining Trump’s cabinet as the White House Deputy Chief of Staff and has deep ties to his first administration.
Miller is known for his anti-immigration policies, some of which worked towards keeping thousands of families separated.
Furthermore, Miller attempted to have the U.S. Department of Homeland Security use troops to seal the U.S.-Mexico border. A plan that would have needed around a quarter of a million troops.
Miller has also made headlines for his development of a plan involving drafting fraudulent certificates of ascertainment following Trump's loss in the 2020 election.

Deputy Chiefs of Staff
Dan Scavino has been a part of every presidential run Trump has been a part of, is highly trusted, and has helped with Trump’s social media while he was POTUS.
James Blair is another Deputy Chief of Staff, known for his work involving the Republican National Committee and Trump’s 2024 campaign. Blair’s focus will be assisting the President on legislative, political, and public affairs.
Finally, Taylor Budowich is another aide who has a strong history with Trump’s political campaigns and the Make America Great Again, Inc. super PAC. Budowich’s focus will be assisting Trump with a focus on communications and personnel.
White House Counsel
William McGinley served under Trump’s first administration as a cabinet secretary and has remained loyal to Trump offering legal resources for the Republican National Committee during the 2024 election season.
Attorney General
Controversially, Trump selected Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida for the role of Attorney General; however, it wouldn’t last, and has since withdrawn from the position.
The pick was already a controversial one as many House Republicans do not particularly like Gaetz due in part to his personal actions in the past.
While Gaetz denies doing anything wrong and the federal investigation involving the House Ethics Committee and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) didn’t end with any charges, he was being investigated for trying to have sex with a minor, among other sexual misconduct allegations.
Donald Trump wrote about the withdrawal on Truth Social, saying the following:
“I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
On Thursday, Trump announced that his longtime ally, Pam Bondi would be his new nominee for attorney general. Trump has praised her work against drug trafficking, as she was focused on ending the opioid crisis and combating drug addiction when she was Florida's attorney general.
As attorney general, Bondi would be in charge of leading the Justice Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Prisons. When asked about her selection Trump explained, "She's a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ."

Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Veteran Doug Collins is joining Trump’s cabinet heads to lead the VA. While he has first-hand experience with the healthcare experiences Veterans face, his conservative views could hinder access for marginalized groups within the LGBT+ community, and those in need of abortion services.
Doug Collins plans to improve Veteran healthcare, as he has said many times that he thinks the VA's medical system is "broken and our Veterans pay the price." While Collins didn't play a significant role on Veterans issues while in Congress, he plans on changing that as Secretary of the VA.
Secretary of Defense
Fox News host and military Veteran Pete Hegseth is going to guide Trump’s defense policies, as he’s proven to be a strong ally to the President-elect.
Depending on how things shake out, Hegseth could have a role in ushering in not only foreign defense policies but also influencing policies affecting the border, military culture and “wokeism,” and a potential court-martial list that includes active duty military Officers as well as Veterans.
After a recent podcast appearance, Hegseth has upset the Veteran community, specifically female Vets. He stated that our nation's military "should not have women in combat roles" saying that men are "more capable" in such positions. Many Vets have taken to X to share their frustration.

Secretary of State
Marco Rubio is the first Latino to hold the position of Secretary of State. Rubio will become one of Trump’s cabinet heads, despite not always seeing eye-to-eye over the years, as emerging threats around the globe, particularly with Iran and China, continue to threaten American interests.
In the past, he voted 'yes' to the PACT Act in 2022 & 2021, he voted 'yes' to the nomination of Denis McDonough as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and helped introduce other pieces of legislation to help Veterans.
National Security Adviser
He’s been a Green Beret and a Congressman but now, Mike Waltz is bringing his knowledge of the military and politics into the role of the country’s National Security Adviser.
While the title might be new, Waltz and Trump have been allies for years. During Trump’s first term, Waltz was providing advice on related matters as a trusted resource.
As the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and a member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Mike has worked to implement legislation to "restore the military back to be merit-based and mission-focused."
Now, Waltz is stepping into a world that continues to find new ways to create powder kegs, as conflicts in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East intensify—not to mention tensions at the Mexico-U.S. border.
Director of National Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard is no stranger to politics but the former congresswoman and military Veteran was a Democrat until joining the GOP after endorsing Trump in 2022.
Gabbard served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, and was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. She also received the Combat Medical Badge in 2005 for "her participation in combat operations under enemy hostile fire in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III," said the Hawaii National Guard.
Now, she's the Director of National Intelligence, although critics are pointing out her limited experience in this area.

Secretary of Health and Human Services
At one point, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was a political rival, as he tried to gain a presidential bid. Now, he’s the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Joining the Trump cabinet, RFK Jr. is a controversial pick, considering his various stances on vaccines, including their false connection for causing autism.
As the leader of the HHS, his policies could have a major impact on healthcare options for military families.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
The Trump cabinet has made Lee Zeldin the leader of the EPA. Zeldin has been a defender of Trump and an ally throughout his political career, has served in the Army, and is currently serving in the Army Reserve.
He also also been a supporter for the national expansion of Veteran mental health support programs to improve Veteran healthcare access.

Secretary of Homeland Security
Kristi Noem is known for being the South Dakota Governor, maintaining anti-immigration stances, and for the incident with her dog. Now, she’s leading Homeland Security.
Noem is going to be in charge of a lot of funding and capable of influencing what the likes of FEMA, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, and other government agencies are doing.
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
John Ratcliffe is the Director of the CIA, which makes sense because he was Trump’s Director of National Intelligence during his first term.
Ratcliffe voted in favor of the 2017 NDAA to boost support for the military and to enhance America's national defense capabilities. He also added an amendment to the bill to protect more than 5,000 jobs near the Red River Army Depot, as they are critical for providing readiness to the Army.
However, there have been questions about the effectiveness of Ratcliffe, but as we’re watching unfold, loyalty counts for a lot if you want to make it as a part of Trump’s cabinet heads for his second term.
Secretary of Interior
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is the new leader of the Energy Department and for Veterans working in the energy sector, a potential boost could be on the horizon, as favorable policies should come forth based on Trump’s cabinet heads so far.
In 2023, Burgum signed the last of five bills that named bridges on North Dakota state highways in honor of military Veterans.
Secretary of the Department of Energy
Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright has been selected to the Trump cabinet as the leader of the Energy Department.
The direct effect on Veterans would depend on many factors but it’s clear that if you’re working in the energy industry, you can expect a boost through policies as Wright works to loosen regulations companies currently face due to climate change.

Border Czar
Tom Homan has worked as an acting director of the ICE and is now the “Border Czar” focusing on deporting millions of illegal immigrants.
Homan has made waves with his controversial approach, including separating families when deporting immigrants.
With a focus on the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and military force, Trump’s cabinet plans to take a harsh stance against immigration during his second term.
White House Communications Director
Over the years, Steven Cheung has been a loyal part of Trump’s team and has experience in communications.
Therefore, his selection as the White House Communications Director makes sense for Trump’s second term.
Known to not mince words, Cheung’s loyalty and ability to deliver on brand messaging only add to the type of people Trump’s cabinet heads and secretaries are looking to assemble.
White House Press Secretary
At only 27 years old, the selection of Karoline Leavitt for the White House Press Secretary is believed to be the youngest ever.
Previously, Leavitt worked as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc. and has proven herself to be a strong ally of Trump’s agenda.

Department of Government Efficiency
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are leading a new initiative known as DOGE, which is focused on cutting costs.
At one point, it was unclear how these budget cuts would have a concrete effect on Veterans; however, there are already concerns that around $120 billion in healthcare for Vets could be at risk with their appointments.
Trump’s cabinet heads will have widespread influence on policy and plenty to work on when he takes office following a successful 2024 presidential campaign.
US Ambassador to NATO
Former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker has been chosen to serve as a U.S. ambassador to NATO. Many have expressed skepticism over Trump's pick as his background is in law enforcement, and not foreign policy.
As of this writing, there are around 100,000 American service members in Europe because of aggression by the Kremlin.
The pick for NATO ambassador is an important one, as Trump has expressed the value of the alliance and the fact that he has expressed that many members aren't meeting their commitment to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense.
As one of Trump’s cabinet heads, it’s clear that their aligned views should play out here, which could mean renegotiating the terms of NATO and possibly providing less support to member nations and adjacent countries despite an ongoing war in the region.
Ambassador to Israel
Trump has selected former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to be the Ambassador to Israel during his second term.
Huckabee is known for his support to Israel, does not believe in Palestine having a homeland occupied by Israel, and has worked with Trump before as a White House press secretary during his first term.
UN Ambassador
Rep. Elise Stefanik will act as our nation’s UN Ambassador. Stefanik’s claim to fame began when she strongly supported Trump during his first impeachment trial and only accelerated after two presidents of universities resigned after she brought up questions regarding antisemitism.

Secretary of the Treasury
Scott Bessent is an experienced financier who has worked for George Soros. Considering the ties between Soros and the Democratic Party, Bessent’s selection is a bit of a surprise.
However, common ground is found between the two as Bessent is known for wanting to reduce the deficit. In August 2024, Bessent joined Trump’s campaign to help reduce our nation’s debt and slash government spending through the elimination of programs.
Secretary of Labor
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon will become the Secretary of Labor during Trump’s second administration. Her track record of supporting workers and Veterans is shown through her support of the PRO Act and work improving VA healthcare and benefits for Vets.
Secretary of Commerce
Howard Lutnick will take the helm as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. A noted supporter of cryptocurrency, Lutnick is looking to help Trump raise and implement tariffs, while also helping as a part of Trump's transition team.
Lutnick has received the highest award from the Navy that non-military personnel can receive, the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.
Secretary of Agriculture
Brooke Rollins joins Trump’s cabinet heads as the Secretary of Agriculture after notable positions supporting GOP-centric initiatives. This includes her time serving as the President and CEO of the America First Policy Institute.
Secretary of Transportation
Sean Duffy has made a name for himself in the world of television as well as politics. This includes defending Trump on cable through the last few years which would see a variety of high-profile controversies unfold.
Now, the former Wisconsin congressman joins Trump’s cabinet as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Secretary of Education
Of WWF turned WWE fame, Linda McMahon is set to become our nation’s Secretary of Education, despite the various controversies surrounding her husband.
The billionaire first-family of wrestling are noted friends of Trump and now, McMahon is taking on a leadership role with support for charter schools and parents having a choice in which schools they send their children to.
While she does not have as much experience as others, a noted point among critics, McMahon has served on the Connecticut Board of Education and the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Former NFL cornerback Scott Turner spent time on the Washington Redskins (Commanders), San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos during his career as well as leading the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council when Trump was first in office.
While leading HUD, Turner is being tasked to revitalize the hardest-hit communities throughout the United States.
U.S. Trade Representative
Jamieson Greer has ample legal experience as a partner at King & Spalding and worked as Chief of Staff for the Trump administration before, specifically, for former trade representative, Robert Lighthizer.
Now, Greer is taking on the role himself and will handle trade negotiations and disputes with foreign governments.
Greer is a Veteran, having served as a U.S. Air Force JAG Officer and deploying to Iraq. He was honorably discharged in 2012.
Director of the National Economic Council
Trump’s new Director of the National Economic Council is in favor of cutting taxes and has experience from the President-elect’s first term serving as the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.
Inflation has affected Veterans across the board and there are several tax cuts put in during Trump’s first term that expire in 2025. Look for Kevin Hassett to tackle these issues as soon as possible.

Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Russell Vought is once again joining Trump’s cabinet heads as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Despite Trump’s attempts to separate his administration from Project 2025, the addition of Vought is an undeniable link that puts one of the people vital to the agenda’s construction directly in a high-level government position.
Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Dr. Mehmet Oz is a household name that has been supporting Trump for years. Now, the former heart surgeon will lead CMS, affecting tens of millions of Americans who rely on the programs.
Though not a Veteran of service in the U.S. military, Dr. Oz is a native of Türkiye and served for a mandatory 60 days with the nation’s military to maintain his dual citizenship.
With first-hand knowledge of both the military and healthcare, his appointment could be beneficial for Vets looking for improvements in CMS.
Commissioner of Food and Drugs
Dr. Marty Makary has been chosen to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While Dr. Makary is knowledgeable about the world of medicine, he gained fame both positively and negatively for his opinions on lockdowns and vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surgeon General
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat is going to take on the role of U.S. Surgeon General. Not only has she helped lead a network of urgent cares throughout New York and New Jersey CityMD, but she is also a noted health advocate, author, and double board-certified.

Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Dave Weldon is taking control of the CDC and this is far from his first time dealing with medicine and politics.
One of the biggest conversations involving Congress and controversial practices including quality of life and the right-to-die involving Terri Schiavo would thrust Dr. Weldon into the spotlight, as he sided with her parents who didn’t want to remove Terri’s feeding tube.
Director of the National Institutes of Health
Finally, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is going to be the nation’s Director of the National Institutes of Health, in charge of medical research and looking for innovative, effective methods of saving lives.
Dr. Bhattacharya is joining Trump’s cabinet heads with plenty of education and experience, though did take on controversial stances disagreeing with lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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