NewsNation

Donald Trump’s new administration: Who has he chosen so far?

Anna Kutz, Libbey Dean, Kellie Meyer, Robert Sherman, Brooke Shafer, and Kimberly Anderson

(NewsNation) — Republican President-elect Donald Trump is rapidly filling his new administration, with high-ranking nominations announced almost every day since his win.

Appointments include billionaire ally Elon Musk and former rival Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) together and Robert F. Kennedy Jr as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services.


Trump posted that former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan would be joining as the “border czar,” and the next day, he said his former adviser, Stephen Miller, would be deputy chief of policy.

This list is broken down by these categories

Here are the major names Trump has selected to join his organization:

Trump’s cabinet

JD Vance, vice president

Sen. JD Vance was chosen to be Trump’s running mate in July, with Trump announcing him as the Republican National Convention kicked off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Republican from Ohio gained national prominence through his bestselling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” During his time in the Senate, Vance, who was once one of Trump’s biggest critics, later became one of the fiercest defenders of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, especially when it comes to foreign policy, trade and immigration.

In 2021, he secured Trump’s endorsement during the Senate primary to fill the vacancy left by retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman. Vance then won the general Senate race against Democratic candidate Tim Ryan and took office in January 2023.

Marco Rubio, secretary of state

Trump has chosen Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to be his secretary of state, saying that he will be a “strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior.”

The longtime politician, 53, will serve as the 47th president’s top diplomat. He’s considered one of the most conservative senators in Congress despite his position on immigration reform having diverged from the party’s consensus at one point.

In terms of foreign policy, Rubio supported U.S. interventions in Iraq and Libya and has been supportive of sanctions against Iran. He has warned against China’s influence in the global sphere, supporting higher tariffs to limit the country’s ability to export cheaper products to the U.S.

Scott Bessent, secretary of the treasury

Trump has tapped investor and hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as Treasury secretary.

Bessent, who served as an economic adviser to Trump’s reelection campaign, is the founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent will lead the president-elect’s economic team.

“Scott has long been a strong advocate of the America First Agenda … Unlike in past Administrations, we will ensure that no Americans will be left behind in the next and Greatest Economic Boom, and Scott will lead that effort for me, and the Great People of the United States of America,” Trump’s announcement reads in part.

In an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal after Trump’s victory, he touted the markets’ response to Trump’s win, arguing it shows their “unambiguous embrace of the Trump 2.0 economic vision.” 

“Markets are signaling expectations of higher growth, lower volatility and inflation, and a revitalized economy for all Americans,” Bessent wrote. 

Pete Hegseth, secretary of defense

Trump nominated Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense Tuesday, appointing the 44-year-old “Fox & Friends” co-host to be the nation’s principal defense policymaker. If confirmed, he would be the second youngest ever to hold the position.

Sources told NewsNation’s Kellie Meyer that Pentagon officials are “shocked,” with one source referring to Hegseth as young and inexperienced. A Pentagon press corps member added that they “didn’t see this coming.”

Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, according to his website.

“Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down,” Trump said in his announcement.

The Princeton and Harvard grad has authored multiple books and outwardly supported Trump’s military endeavors in the past, including his decision to kill Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.

Pam Bondi, US attorney general

Trump has named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his next nominee to lead the Department of Justice. 

Bondi was a swift pick just hours after former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., withdrew himself from consideration for the role. 

“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again. I have known Pam for many years — She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!“ Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

Doug Burgum, secretary of the interior

Trump has chosen North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to head the Interior Department.

In 2016, Burgum ran for governor, his first campaign for elected office. He touted a message of “reinventing” government as the state dealt with a massive revenue shortfall.

In a major upset, Burgum defeated North Dakota’s longtime attorney general in the Republican gubernatorial primary. He handily won his first term in the strong Republican state, which has about 784,000 residents. He was easily reelected in 2020.

Burgum ran for president from June to December 2023. He campaigned on priorities of energy, economy and national security, but dropped out after his bid failed to resonate.

He appeared in two Republican debates — including the first, which he attended after hurting his Achilles tendon playing basketball. He drew attention for his campaign offering $20 gift cards to people who would donate $1 to his campaign so he would have enough individual donors to make the debate stage.

In January, before the Iowa caucuses, he endorsed Trump. The same month, he declined to seek a third term as governor.

Brooke Rollins, secretary of agriculture

Trump has tapped attorney Brooke Rollins to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Rollins is the former director of Trump’s White House Domestic Policy Council and currently serves president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit formed in 2021 to support Trump’s public policy agenda.

“Brooke’s commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns is second to none,” Trump’s announcement reads in part.

Rollins previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. She worked as a litigation attorney in Dallas and also clerked for a federal judge in the Northern District of Texas after earning her law degree from the University of Texas.

Howard Lutnick, secretary of commerce

CEO Howard Lutnick has been nominated as Trump’s United States Secretary of Commerce, the president-elect announced Tuesday.

Lutnick will also hold “additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

The Cantor Fitzgerald billionaire, who currently works as the co-chair of the Trump-Vance transition team, has publicly embraced Trump’s sweeping tariff plans.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer, secretary of labor

Trump has chosen Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., to serve as secretary of labor.

“I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs,” Trump’s announcement reads in part. “Together, we will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.”

If confirmed by the Senate, she would oversee the Labor Department.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of health and human services

Trump announced Thursday that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is his choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

“The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!”

Scott Turner, secretary of housing and urban development

Trump appointed Scott Turner — a former professional football player who had a spot in the president-elect’s first administration — to help lead the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

During Trump’s first term, Turner served as the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, where he worked with former HUD Secretary Ben Carson.

In the announcement, Trump praised Turner’s “guidance in overseeing 16 Federal Agencies which implemented more than 200 policy actions furthering Economic Development.”

Turner is the first Black appointee to Trump’s cabinet in his second administration. He still needs to be confirmed by the Senate.

Sean Duffy, secretary of transportation

Trump has tapped politician and prosecutor Sean Duffy, known for his TV time on MTV’s “The Real World,” Fox News and ESPN, to head the Department of Transportation.

In Trump’s Monday announcement of the nomination, he called Duffy a “tremendous and well-liked public servant” for his time as representative of Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, the seat he held from 2011 to 2019.

“He will prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Beauty when rebuilding America’s highways, tunnels, bridges and airports,” Trump’s Truth Social post reads in part. “He will ensure our ports and dams serve our Economy without compromising our National Security, and he will make our skies safe again by eliminating DEI for pilots and air traffic controllers.”

Chris Wright, secretary of energy

The founder and CEO of fracking technology company Liberty Energy, Chris Wright has received Trump’s nomination for United States Secretary of Energy.

“Chris has been a leading technologist and entrepreneur in Energy. He has worked in Nuclear, Solar, Geothermal, and Oil and Gas. Most significantly, Chris was one of the pioneers who helped launch the American Shale Revolution that fueled American Energy Independence, and transformed the Global Energy Markets and Geopolitics,” Trump’s Saturday announcement reads in part.

His energy position will require Senate confirmation.

Wright has also been tapped as a member of the newly-formed Council of National Energy, which the president-elect says will “consist of all Departments and Agencies involved in the permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation, transportation, of ALL forms of American Energy.”

Wright will work alongside Doug Burgum, who was designated to head the Interior Department just days ago.

“As Secretary of Energy, Chris will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new ‘Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace,” Trump’s statement says.

Linda McMahon, secretary of education

Trump has nominated former administrator of the Small Business Administration Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education. If confirmed by the Senate, she’d head a federal agency the president-elect plans to abolish during his second term.

“As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand “Choice” to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,” Trump said in a statement announcing her position.

During Trump’s first term, McMahon served as the 25th administrator of the Small Business Administration from February 2017 to April 2019, when she stepped down to help run Trump’s reelection campaign.

McMahon is currently the co-chair of Trump’s transition team.

She, her husband Vince McMahon and WWE were named in an October lawsuit accusing the higher-ups of failing to prevent the alleged sexual exploitation of boys by a ringside announcer.

Doug Collins, secretary of veterans affairs

Trump announced he would appoint Doug Collins to lead Veterans Affairs in his new administration.

Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but the Senate acquitted him.

Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.

Kristi Noem, secretary of homeland security

Trump has chosen South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to serve as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security during his second term, The Hill confirmed.

Noem said Friday that Democratic governors who have pledged to resist Trump’s immigration policies are being “extremely irresponsible” and should instead seek dialogue with the incoming administration.

She has been supportive of the Justice Department’s decision to suspend investigations into Trump, saying it was “a good first step” toward restoring faith in federal law enforcement agencies.

As governor, Noem has faced ups and downs with tribal governments in South Dakota.

She offered emergency assistance after flooding in 2019, moved the state Office of Indian Education from the state Department of Education to the state Department of Tribal Affairs, has been banned from many of the nine reservations at different times and shifted funding so the state’s law enforcement training program could conduct the first-ever class for tribal officers this year.

Kelly Loeffler, administrator of the Small Business Administration

Former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., speaks as then-President Donald Trump listens during a campaign rally in Dalton, Ga., Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Trump announced plans to nominate former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., to serve as administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

“Small Businesses are the backbone of our Great Economy. Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive,” Trump wrote in a Wednesday Truth Social post.

“She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach.”

Loeffler was previously rumored to be the former president’s pick for the secretary of agriculture, which Trump eventually decided to tap former staffer Brooke Rollins for. 

The former Georgia lawmaker, who served about a year in the Senate starting in January 2020, also has been overseeing the incoming president’s inaugural committee with Steve Witkoff. 

Loeffler was a staunch supporter of Trump’s efforts to overturn the election in 2020 and has adamantly opposed the federal case brought on by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, citing her affair with a fellow attorney as an ethical imposition.

Cabinet-rank

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, department of government efficiency

Trump tagged billionaire ally Elon Musk and former rival Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies – Essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement,” Trump said in an announcement obtained by NewsNation.

The president-elect referred to DOGE as “The Manhattan Project” of his presidency, adding that the pair will “work together to liberate our Economy, and make the U.S. Government accountable to ‘WE THE PEOPLE.'”

A comment from Musk was also included in the announcement: “This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!”

Trump predicted their restructuring of the government to finish no later than July 4, 2026 — the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Trump had announced William McGinley, a lawyer who worked in the president-elect’s first administration, would serve as White House counsel, but Trump later said McGinley would take a different role, serving as counsel to the “Department of Government Efficiency,” an effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to cut government spending and regulations.

“Bill will play a crucial role in liberating our Economy from burdensome Regulations, excess spending, and Government waste,” Trump said in a statement. “He will partner with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to provide advice and guidance to end the bloated Federal Bureaucracy.”

Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff

Susie Wiles is a longtime Republican strategist and the leader of Trump’s 2024 campaign who worked alongside the president-elect in 2016.

Wiles will be the first woman to be a White House chief of staff. Since her start as a scheduler for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign, she’s also worked for Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.

She is the daughter of the late NFL player turned broadcaster Pat Summerall.

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“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected,” Trump said. “Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”

Stephen Miller, deputy chief of policy

Miller is one of Trump’s longest-serving aides. A senior adviser in Trump’s first term who crafted many of the president-elect’s speeches, The Associated Press reports Miller’s been a central figure in many of his policy decisions, including the move to separate thousands of immigrant families as a deterrence program in 2018.

After Trump left office, Miller became president of America First Legal, which the AP says was fashioned as a conservative version of the American Civil Liberties Union that challenged the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others.

Tom Homan, ‘border czar’

Homan, as “border czar,” is expected to make deportation a top priority. At the Republican National Convention, he said that he had a message to the “millions” of undocumented migrants in the country: “You better start packing now.”

As acting director of ICE from January 2017 through June 2018, Homan backed Trump’s zero tolerance policy at the border in his first term, which resulted in thousands of families being separated at the southern border. He’s previously said that workplace raids would resume in the Trump administration.

Before joining ICE, Homan was a police officer in West Carthage, New York, and later had positions as a Border Patrol agent, investigator and supervisor. Former Democratic President Barack Obama appointed Homan to be the executive associate director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2013.

Homan retired as acting ICE director in 2018 and joined the Heritage Foundation, where he contributed to its Project 2025.

Elise Stefanik, UN ambassador

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Trump’s pick for ambassador to the United Nations, was elected to the House of Representatives at the age of 30 in 2014, making her the youngest woman elected to Congress in United States history at the time.

She currently serves as chair of the House Republican Conference, a position she was chosen for when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election.

“I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,” Trump said in a statement. “Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.”

Stefanik said she had a conversation with Trump where she told him “how deeply humbled” she was to accept the nomination.

“I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trump’s restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations,” Stefanik said on X Monday.

Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Attorney Lee Zeldin was chosen Monday to be Trump’s administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

From 2015 to 2023, he served New York’s 1st Congressional District as a U.S. representative, and he ran for governor of the state in 2022, losing to current Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Zeldin was on active duty in the United States Army for four years and is currently a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.

“Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies,” Trump said in a statement. “He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”

Zeldin said on X that “it is an honor” to join the administration.

“We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI,” Zeldin said. “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.”

Mike Waltz, national security adviser

Trump has tapped Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., to be his national security adviser, according to multiple reports.

Waltz, a Green Beret combat vet and longtime Trump surrogate, has held office in his native Florida since 2019, when he took over DeSantis’ post in the state’s 6th Congressional District.

The 50-year-old has called for Europe to do more to support Ukraine and for the U.S. to be more stringent with its support, aligning with a key foreign policy goal of the president-elect. He has also been a staunch critic of the Biden administration’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The position doesn’t require Senate confirmation, meaning Waltz will assume his role as soon as Trump is inaugurated.

Trump went through multiple national security advisers during his first term. Michael Flynn was in the role for just a few weeks before resigning amid controversy over his conversations with Russia. Others to hold the post included H.R. McMaster, John Bolton and Robert O’Brien.

Rubio has served as the senior United States senator for the Sunshine State since 2011. Before that, he was speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2008.

Despite a rivalry with Trump during the 2016 GOP primaries, Rubio has been a steadfast Trump supporter since the president-elect’s first term.

John Ratcliffe, director of the CIA

Trump has tapped his former director of national intelligence John Ratcliffe to serve as director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

“From exposing fake Russian collusion to be a Clinton campaign operation, to catching the FBI’s abuse of Civil Liberties at the FISA Court, John Ratcliffe has always been a warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American Public. When 51 intelligence officials were lying about Hunter Biden’s laptop, there was one, John Ratcliffe, telling the truth to the American People,” the president-elect said in a statement obtained by NewsNation.

Before he replaced Dan Coats to be Trump’s highest ranking intelligence official, Ratcliffe served as a representative in Texas from 2019 to 2020.

Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress, is set to be Trump’s director of national intelligence. She left the Democratic Party in 2022, following an unsuccessful presidential campaign in the party’s 2020 primary. Since ending her bid and leaving Congress, Gabbard’s appeared at events such as the Conservative Political Action Conference.

Gabbard has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, and was co-chair of the Trump transition Team. The Hill writes she helped Trump prepare for his debate with Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

Justice Department

Kash Patel, director of the FBI

FILE – Kash Patel speaks at a rally in Minden, Nev., Oct. 8, 2022. Patel, said Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, that if the former president is elected again, his administration will retaliate against people in the media “criminally or civilly.” Patel said on Steve Bannon’s podcast that a future administration would “go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media” over the 2020 presidential election. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas, File)

Trump has nominated Kash Patel, one of his most trusted allies, to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In the nomination announcement, the president-elect called Patel an “America First” fighter, who has “spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People.”

Patel is a Trump loyalist who has vowed to punish the president-elect’s enemies and other so-called “deep state” figures.

He previously served as a U.S. National Security Council official, senior advisor to the acting Director of National Intelligence and chief of staff to the acting United States secretary of defense during Trump’s first administration. 

FBI director is not a position that is automatically open. Instead, directors are appointed to 10-year terms. Current FBI Director Chris Wray’s term does not end until 2027, meaning that Trump will either have to fire Wray or ask for his resignation.

In his first administration, Trump fired then-director James Comey and replaced him with Wray.

Todd Blanche, No. 2 Justice official

Trump has chosen Todd Blanche, an attorney who led the legal team that defended the Republican at his hush money criminal trial, to serve as the second-highest-ranking Justice Department official.

A former federal prosecutor, Blanche has been a key figure on Trump’s defense team both in the New York case that ended in a conviction in May and the federal cases brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith.

Gail Slater, DOJ antitrust division

Trump tapped Gail Slater, a former adviser to Vice President-elect JD Vance, to lead the Justice Department’s antitrust division. 

“Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!” Trump said in a statement. 

“I was proud to fight these abuses in my First Term, and our Department of Justice’s antitrust team will continue that work under Gail’s leadership,” he continued. 

Slater will take over the DOJ’s high-profile antitrust cases against tech giants like Google and Apple. She previously served as an attorney at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and on the White House National Economic Council during Trump’s first term. 

Emil Bove, DOJ principal associate deputy attorney general

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 13: Former U.S. President Donald Trump and attorney Emil Bove attend his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 13, 2024 in New York City. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records last year, which prosecutors say was an effort to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first former U.S. president to face trial on criminal charges. (Photo by Steven Hirsch-Pool/Getty Images)

Trump nominated his personal criminal defense attorney, Emil Bove, as principal associate deputy attorney general, the department’s No. 3 official.

Bove served as Trump’s trial attorney in his New York hush money case, which culminated in the first criminal conviction of a former president this spring, and Trump’s two federal criminal prosecutions brought by special counsel Jack Smith.

“Emil is a tough and strong attorney, who will be a crucial part of the Justice Department, rooting out corruption and crime,” Trump wrote in a statement.

Bove began working for Blanche’s new firm later in the year as Smith moved to indict Trump in Washington, D.C., on accusations of conspiring to subvert the 2020 election results and in Florida on charges of mishandling classified documents.

D. John Sauer, solicitor general

Washington, DC – January 9 : Attorney D. John Sauer arrives with former President Donald Trump to speak to reporters and members of the media, at the Waldorf Astoria hotel after attending a hearing of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals at the federal courthouse on Tuesday, Jan. 09, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Trump said he will nominate D. John Sauer, an appellate attorney who argued Trump’s presidential immunity case at the Supreme Court earlier this year, as solicitor general. 

That position is the fourth highest-ranking Justice Department role and decides which cases the government will appeal, including representing the administration before the nation’s highest court.

Sauer, Trump’s solicitor general nominee, served as Missouri’s solicitor general for six years. He worked under Missouri Republican Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt during their stints as state attorney general.

Sauer also clerked for Antonin Scalia, the late conservative Supreme Court justice.

In announcing Sauer, Trump did highlight the attorney’s work on his criminal defense: “Most recently, John was the lead counsel representing me in the Supreme Court in Trump v. United States, winning a Historic Victory on Presidential Immunity, which was key to defeating the unConstitutional campaign of Lawfare against me and the entire MAGA Movement.”

Sauer also represents Trump in his appeal of a jury’s verdict in a civil suit finding the former president liable for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in the mid-1990s. 

Jay Clayton, Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor

Trump nominated former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton to serve as Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor.

Clayton, an attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell who specializes in mergers and capital-raising, is a political independent who developed a reputation while at the SEC for trying to forge consensus with the agency’s Democratic commissioners.

Clayton is likely to be seen as a somewhat unconventional pick for the office known for high-profile financial crime prosecutions, as he does not have any criminal law experience.

Ambassadors and representatives

David Perdue, ambassador to China 

Trump nominated former Senator David Perdue to serve as the ambassador to China.

“He will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain Peace in the region, and a productive working relationship with China’s leaders,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. “David has been a loyal supporter and friend, and I look forward to working with him in his new role!”

Perdue, who served as a senator from 2015 to 2021, was a member of both the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees. He ran for governor of Georgia in 2021 and was endorsed by Trump.

In 2021, Perdue said he would support challenging the Electoral College vote if he remained in the Senate — something he had indicated he would back in the past, which earned the praise of Trump who wrote, “David is a great guy and a patriot.”

Brandon Judd, ambassador to Chile 

Trump has chosen former National Border Patrol Council president Brandon Judd to be ambassador to Chile. The president-elect announced on Truth Social that Judd helped him “develop and implement the most effective Border Security policies in our nation’s History.

“I am confident Brandon will represent the United States in the same manner as he represented all rank-and-file Border Patrol Agents as the President of the National Border Patrol Council,” Trump said.

Mike Huckabee, ambassador to Israel

Trump announced Tuesday he will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel. Huckabee served as governor from 1996 to 2007, and ran for president in the 2008 and 2016 Republican primaries.

Calling Huckabee a great public servant, governor and “Leader in Faith” for many years, Trump said in a statement he “loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him.”

His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is the current governor of Arkansas.

Steven C. Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East

In a statement obtained by NewsNation, Trump nominated businessman Steven Witkoff as special envoy to the Middle East.

“Steve is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy, who has made every project and community he has been involved with stronger and more prosperous. Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud,” Trump’s statement reads.

Witkoff, a real estate investor and founder of the Witkoff Group, is the president-elect’s golf partner. He was with Trump at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, when a second attempt was made on the Republican’s life back in September.

Trump also tagged Witkoff to co-chair his inaugural committee alongside Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga..

Matthew Whitaker, NATO ambassador

Trump has named his former acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, as the next ambassador to NATO, selecting him to fill the role at a crucial time amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and tensions over defense spending across the Western security alliance.

In a statement, Trump said Whitaker is a “strong warrior and loyal Patriot, who will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended.”

“Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability,” Trump wrote. “I have full confidence in Matt’s ability to represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication.”

Whitaker was the acting attorney general for about three months during the middle of Trump’s first term. Before, he served as chief of staff to Jeff Sessions for a bit more than a month before Sessions resigned as attorney general in November 2018, opening the role for him.

He was previously a U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa under President George W. Bush’s administration.

Whitaker also served in private practice from 2009 to 2017 before rejoining the Department of Justice. He has been a political consultant for the past few years and has three degrees from the University of Iowa.

Pete Hoekstra, ambassador to Canada

Trump has announced Pete Hoekstra as his nominee for U.S. ambassador to Canada. Hoekstra, a former congressman from Michigan and past chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, served as ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump’s first term.

In a statement, Trump praised Hoekstra’s work in Michigan and his role in advancing the USMCA trade agreement, calling him a key figure in putting “America First.”

Adam Boehler, hostage affairs envoy

Trump announced his selection of Adam Boehler to serve as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs in his second term.

While the position holds the rank of an ambassador, it does not require Senate confirmation. 

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, credited Boehler as a lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords team, the 2020 agreement that established diplomatic relations between Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. 

The president-elect also said Boehler took part in negotiations with the Taliban, with the first Trump administration inking a deal with the designated terrorist group that halted all attacks against U.S. troops in Afghanistan in exchange for a commitment to exit the country. President Biden inherited that deal and extended the deadline for withdrawal but ultimately oversaw a chaotic and deadly exit from the country. 

Keith Kellogg, special envoy to Ukraine and Russia

On Nov. 27, Trump announced his nomination of Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.

Kellogg, a retired Army general, has an extensive background in national security and served in key roles during Trump’s first administration. “Keith has led a distinguished military and business career and was with me right from the beginning,” Trump said in a statement.

Trump has promised to bring a swift end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, leveraging his relationships with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. That has raised anxiety among Kyiv’s supporters that the president-elect will seek a deal that would cede Ukrainian land or jeopardize the country’s future security. 

Kellogg is seen as highly loyal to Trump, which is likely a reason he’s won the appointment. This sends the signal to Russia, Ukraine and European allies that he will directly channel the president’s vision on Ukraine and Russia.

Kellogg, in his writings, has proposed implementing a ceasefire along the front lines, while recognizing Ukrainian claims to territory occupied by Russia. He called for pressuring Putin to the negotiating table by threatening to remove all restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, but he also argued for threatening to halt U.S. military assistance to Kyiv to ensure its place at the negotiating table. 

Charles Kushner, ambassador to France

NEWARK, NJ – AUGUST 18: Charles Kushner (C) wades though the media with his legal team and wife to the U.S. District Courthouse August 18, 2004 in Newark, New Jersey. Kushner, a New Jersey developer and a major campaign contributors to Democrats including embattled Gov. Jim McGreevey, is expected to plead guilty to federal charges that he hired a prostitute to try to silence a witness in a federal investigation. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

Trump has tapped businessman and convicted felon Charles Kushner as U.S. ambassador to France.

Charles Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka. He’s also the founder of Kushner Companies, one of the nation’s largest real estate firms.

“He is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests,” Trump’s announcement reads in part.

“He was recognized as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, & served as a Commissioner, & Chairman, of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as well as on the Boards of our top institutions, including NYU,” the president-elect continued.

Jamieson Greer, United States trade representative

The protégé of Trump’s former United States Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer has been chosen to take the position during the president-elect’s second term.

Jamieson Greer is a partner at King & Spalding law firm who previously served as the USTR chief of staff.

“Jamieson played a key role during my First Term in imposing Tariffs on China and others to combat unfair Trade practices, and replacing the failed NAFTA deal with USMCA, therefore making it much better for American Workers,” Trump’s announcement reads in part.

Monica Crowley, ambassador, assistant secretary of state and chief of protocol

Trump nominated Monica Crowley, a former Fox News contributor who faced public scrutiny during Trump’s first term over allegations of plagiarism, for a top public relations post in the State Department.

Trump announced Crowley’s nomination for “Ambassador, Assistant Secretary of State, and Chief of Protocol,” a position he said will oversee major U.S.-hosted events including America’s 250th Independence Day anniversary in 2026; the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. 

The chief of protocol position within the State Department requires Senate confirmation. 

“She will be an extraordinary Representative of our Country. Congratulations Monica!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media site Truth Social.

Crowley served as assistant secretary of the Treasury for public affairs during Trump’s first term in office. She took that job after stepping away from serving as senior communications director for Trump’s National Security Council amid allegations she plagiarized sections of her 2012 bestselling book and her doctoral dissertation at Columbia University.

Crowley criticized the plagiarism accusations as a “political hit job,” but she later revised parts of her dissertation after Columbia said it had identified “localized instances of plagiarism.”

Trump praised Crowley for “an incredible job” serving during his first term, highlighting her as a New York Times bestselling author and as a popular anchor and political and foreign affairs analyst for Fox News. 

Michael Anton, director of policy planning at the State Department

Trump announced Michael Anton as director of policy planning at the State Department.

“Michael served me loyally and effectively at the National Security Council in my First Term. He has an extensive background in Government, the private sector, and academia. He spent the last eight years explaining what an America First foreign policy truly means,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Michael Needham, counselor of the Department of State

Trump announced Michael Needham as the counselor of the Department of State.

“Mike has capably served Senator Marco Rubio for many years, and is a key leader in the America First Movement. He has been on the front lines of the fight for the Forgotten Men and Women of America for nearly two decades, and will do a great job at State,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Christopher Landau, deputy secretary of State

Trump announced Christopher Landau as his nominee for deputy secretary of State, a role that would see him working alongside Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio to advance an “America First” foreign policy.

Trump highlighted Landau’s tenure as ambassador to Mexco during his administration. “Chris is one of our country’s great lawyers,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Landua clerked for Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas and argued nine cases before the High Court. A Harvard graduate, Landau was first in his class at Harvard College and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School.

Military

Daniel Driscoll, secretary of the Army

Trump has tapped businessman and Army veteran Daniel Driscoll to be his secretary of the Army. 

“As a former Soldier, Investor, and Political Advisor, Dan brings a powerful combination of experiences to serve as a disruptor and change agent,” Trump said in the Wednesday announcement on Truth Social. 

Driscoll is a senior adviser to Trump’s soon-to-be vice president, Sen. JD Vance. He served in the Army for 3 1/2 years and was deployed to Iraq in 2009, according to the Asheville Citizen-Times. Upon returning to the U.S., he attended Yale Law School, where he met Vance. 

In 2020, Driscoll ran to represent North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District but lost in the Republican primary to former Rep. Madison Cawthorn. He has also worked in North Carolina as an investment banker.

John Phelan, secretary of the Navy

Trump nominated businessman John Phelan to lead the Department of the Navy, calling Phelan a “tremendous force” for military members.

“John will be a tremendous force for our Naval Servicemembers, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision. He will put the business of the U.S. Navy above all else,” Trump’s announcement reads in part.

“His incredible knowledge and experience will elevate the lives of the brave Americans who serve our Nation. John will deliver real results for our Navy and our Country. I look forward to working with him,” he continued.

Economic team

Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council

Trump has tapped economist Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council.

During the first two years of Trump’s first term, Hassett served as chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

“He will play an important role in helping American families recover from the Inflation that was unleashed by the Biden Administration. Together, we will renew and improve our record Tax Cuts, and ensure that we have Fair Trade with Countries that have taken advantage of the United States in the past,” Trump’s nomination reads.

Michael Faulkender, deputy secretary of the treasury

Trump announced economist Michael Faulkender as his pick for deputy secretary of the Treasury on Wednesday, the second-highest ranking position at the department.

If confirmed, Faulkender would serve under Scott Bessent, Trump’s nominee to be Treasury secretary.

During Trump’s first term, Faulkender ran the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at the Treasury, a stimulus policy that sent out nearly $800 billion in loans to businesses to keep workers on payrolls during the pandemic, almost all of which were forgiven.

Faulkender is currently a professor of finance at the University of Maryland’s business school. He’s also the chief economist at the America First Policy Institute, the Trump-aligned think tank that has staffed much of the president-elect’s new administration.

David O. Sacks, White House AI and crypto ‘czar’

Trump announced David O. Sacks as his pick for the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar,” according to a Truth Social post.

The former PayPal COO “will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness,” Trump said.

“David will focus on making America the clear global leader in both areas. He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship. He will work on a legal framework so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S.”

Trump, who once labeled crypto a scam, embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the United States the “crypto capital of the planet” and to accumulate a national stockpile of bitcoin.

Trump said Sacks will also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.

Health

Janette Nesheiwat, surgeon general

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to serve as the “Nation’s Doctor.”

“Dr. Nesheiwat is a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health. She is committed to ensuring that Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare, and believes in empowering individuals to take charge of their health to live longer, healthier lives,” Trump’s announcement reads in part.

Nesheiwat, a Fox News medical contributor, is a double board-certified medical doctor in New York.

Marty Makary, commissioner of the FDA

Trump has chosen author and surgeon Dr. Marty Makary to lead the Food and Drug Administration.

Makary was vocal about multiple public health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing opposition to vaccine mandates. He’s been a guest on NewsNation, discussing American health care and its trust issues, and his stands were praised by Trump in the announcement.

He’s been a guest on NewsNation, discussing American health care and its trust issues, and his stances were praised by Trump in the announcement.

“FDA has lost the trust of Americans, and has lost sight of its primary goal as a regulator. The Agency needs Dr. Marty Makary, a Highly Respected Johns Hopkins Surgical Oncologist and Health Policy Expert, to course-correct and refocus the Agency,” Trump said.

Dave Weldon, commissioner of the CDC

Former Republican congressman and medical doctor Dave Weldon will lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Trump announced Friday.

The 71-year-old served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Florida’s 15th district from 1995 to 2009.

“In addition to being a Medical Doctor for 40 years, and an Army Veteran, Dave has been a respected conservative leader on fiscal and social issues … Dave has successfully worked with the CDC to enact a ban on patents for human embryos,” Trump’s announcement reads in part. 

Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the National Institutes of Health.

The Stanford-trained physician questioned lockdowns and school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, telling NewsNation’s “On Balance” in 2022 that he was “blacklisted” on Twitter for questioning the practices.

Alongside RFK Jr., Bhattacharya will “direct the Nation’s Medical Research, and to make important discoveries that will improve Health, and save lives,” Trump said in the announcement.

“Together, Jay and RFK Jr. will restore the NIH to a Gold Standard of Medical Research as they examine the underlying causes of, and solutions to, America’s biggest Health challenges, including our Crisis of Chronic Illness and Disease. Together, they will work hard to Make America Healthy Again!” the president-elected added.

Jim O’Neill, deputy secretary of health and human services

Jim O’Neill, a Silicon Valley investor and and ally of billionaire Trump backer Peter Thiel, has a spot in the president-elect’s second administration.

O’Neill will serve as deputy secretary of Health and Human Services.

O’Neill, who previously served HHS during George W. Bush’s administration, has been outspoken against the Food and Drug Administration. He will work alongside RFK Jr., who Trump chose to lead the department.

Mehmet Oz, centers for Medicare and Medicaid services administrator

Another TV star has joined Trump’s incoming administration, as the president-elect tapped Dr. Mehmet Oz Tuesday to serve as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator.

In the announcement, Trump said he expects Oz and RFK Jr. to work together to “take on the illness industrial complex, and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake.”

“There may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again. He is an eminent Physician, Heart Surgeon, Inventor, and World-Class Communicator, who has been at the forefront of healthy living for decades,” Trump’s statement reads in part.

Peter Navarro, senior counselor on trade and manufacturing

Trump named his once-jailed former aide Peter Navarro as senior counselor for trade and manufacturing in the incoming White House, picking a loyal ally to help implement his broad plan for tariffs.

Navarro served as White House trade adviser in Trump’s first term. That eventually led to Navarro serving a four-month sentence for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Just hours after Navarro’s release from prison in July, he got a roaring reception by Republicans during his prime-time speech endorsing Trump for a second term at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

“I am pleased to announce that Peter Navarro, a man who was treated horribly by the Deep State, or whatever else you would like to call it, will serve as my Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing,” Trump posted on Truth Social in announcing Navarro’s new role. “During my First Term, few were more effective or tenacious than Peter in enforcing my two sacred rules, Buy American, Hire American. He helped me renegotiate unfair Trade Deals like NAFTA and the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and moved every one of my Tariff and Trade actions FAST.”

Federal agencies

Anthony Salisbury, deputy homeland security adviser

Trump nominated Anthony Salisbury to be the deputy homeland security adviser. Salisbury currently serves as the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami.

“Tony manages all of HSI’s complex Federal Law Enforcement investigative programs related to National Security and smuggling violations, including counter-proliferation, financial crimes, commercial fraud, human trafficking, human smuggling, narcotics smuggling, transnational gangs, cyber-crimes, child exploitation, worksite enforcement and document and benefit fraud,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Caleb Vitello, director of ICE

Trump named Caleb Vitello as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday night.

Vitello has 23 years of experience at the agency and previously played significant roles in the deportations of illegal immigrants, Trump noted during his announcement.

“A member of the Senior Executive Service, with over 23 years of service to ICE, Caleb currently serves as Assistant Director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, where he oversees Agency-wide training, equipment, and policy to ensure Officer and Public Safety,” Trump noted in his statement on Truth Social.

Rodney Scott, commissioner of CBP

Trump nominated former border chief Rodney Scott as the commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 

“Rodney served nearly three decades in the Border Patrol, building vast experience and knowledge in Law Enforcement and Border Security,” Trump said in a Thursday night announcement on Truth Social. “Rodney served as the 24th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, where he implemented Remain-in-Mexico, Title 42, Safe Third Agreements, and achieved record low levels of illegal immigration.” 

Scott began his service in Border Patrol in the 1990s. He rose through the ranks, serving as the head of the Border Patrol during both Trump’s and President Biden’s administrations. He was appointed by Trump in February 2020. He oversaw over 21,000 personnel and backed some of Trump’s border policies, like expanding the wall with neighboring Mexico.

Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission

Trump has tapped FCC commissioner Brendan Carr to take lead of the agency.

“I first nominated Commissioner Carr to the FCC in 2017, and he has been confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate three times. His current term runs through 2029 and, because of his great work, I will now be designating him as permanent Chairman,” Trump said on Sunday.

Carr currently serves as the senior Republican on the FCC. Before that, he was the FCC’s general counsel as well as an adviser to former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

Paul Atkins, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission

FILE – Paul Atkins, a former SEC Commissioner and current CEO of Patomak Partners, arrives at Trump Tower, Nov. 28, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File)

Trump is tapping Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins has served as co-chair of the Token Alliance since 2017. The group seeks to promote the use of digital assets like cryptocurrency.

Atkins is expected to be more friendly to cryptocurrency than current SEC Chair Gary Gensler when it comes to regulations.

A libertarian, Atkins previously served on the SEC as a commissioner under President George W. Bush. He opposed stiff fines for companies who violated securities laws and vowed to dismantle the Dodd-Frank initiative that increased regulatory authority after the 2008 recession.

Atkins was widely considered the most conservative member of the SEC during his tenure at the agency and known to have a strong free-market bent. As a commissioner, he called for greater transparency in and analysis of the costs and benefits of new SEC rules.

He also emphasized investor education and increased enforcement efforts against those who steal from investors over the internet, manipulate markets, engage in Ponzi schemes and other types of fraud.

Atkins has also questioned the SEC’s push for a requirement that public companies issue climate-related disclosures.

Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget

Russell Thurlow Vought will once again be part of a Trump White House, with the president-elect tapping him to serve as Office of Management and Budget director.

Vought held the same role during part of Trump’s first administration, from July 2020 to January 2021. Before becoming OMB’s acting director from 2019 to 2020, he was the agency’s deputy director in 2018.

“Russ knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State and end Weaponized Government, and he will help us return Self Governance to the People,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “We will restore fiscal sanity to our Nation, and unleash the American People to new levels of Prosperity and Ingenuity.”

Vought is also a co-author of Project 2025, the nearly 1,000-page conservative playbook from The Heritage Foundation. Vought penned the chapter on the Executive Office of the President of the United States — which largely references OMB.

“After vehemently denying his links to Project 2025 through the campaign, the President-elect just tapped its lead architect, Russell Vought, to run his coming all-of-government purge as Director of the Office of Management and Budget,” Democrats on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee said in a joint statement.

Frank Bisignano, administrator of the Social Security Administration

Trump announced the nomination of Frank Bisignano to serve as commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

“Frank will be responsible for delivering on the Agency’s commitment to the American people for generations to come,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Bisignano currently serves as chairman, president and CEO of Fiserv, the world’s largest payments and financial technology company. He has also held key roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup, where he was chief administrative officer during the 9/11 attacks, overseeing 16,000 employees in Lower Manhattan.

Jared Isaacman, administrator of NASA

Trump announced he picked Jared Isaacman to lead NASA in his incoming administration. 

“Jared will drive NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, citing Isaacman’s ability to lead as the founder and chief executive of Shift4, a payment processing company. 

The tech entrepreneur also worked with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in September to test the company’s new spacesuits on the first private spacewalk. Isaacman helped fund the flight and was one of four people aboard.

That trip was the first of three that Isaacman purchased from Musk after he returned from his first private spaceflight in 2021. Isaacman is also the co-founder and chief executive of Draken International, a private fighter jet company and contractor for the Defense Department.

Billy Long, commissioner of the IRS

Trump said he would nominate former Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., to serve as the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a Wednesday post on Truth Social.

“I am pleased to announce that former Congressman Billy Long, of the Great State of Missouri, will be appointed to serve as the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),” Trump wrote.

“Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country,” he added.

Trump said his relationship with Long, who currently works as a business and tax adviser, dates back to 2011 and described him as a “people person” who was “well respected on both sides of the aisle.”

Long does not have a college degree, although he briefly attended the University of Missouri before dropping out in 1976, according to Ballotpedia. 

White House

Alina Habba, counselor to the president

Trump announced Alina Habba will serve as Counselor to the President, a key role in his White House team. Habba represents Trump in some of his highest profile civil cases and is perhaps most well-known for her frequent television appearances vociferously defending her client. She also served as a senior advisor on Trump’s campaign. 

In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Habba’s dedication, calling her a “tireless advocate for justice” and a “fierce defender of the rule of law.”

A first-generation American of Middle Eastern heritage, Habba was recently recognized as Chaldean Woman of the Year.

Habba also serves as Trump’s attorney in defamation and sexual assault lawsuits brought by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, who won nearly $100 million at two jury trials.  

Trump is currently appealing all those judgments. 

David Warrington, White House counsel

Trump announced a change in his choice to serve as White House counsel in his upcoming administration, tapping his top campaign lawyer, David Warrington, for the job in a statement.

“Dave has represented me well as my personal attorney, and as General Counsel for my Presidential Campaign,” Trump said in a statement.

Earlier, Trump had announced William McGinley, a lawyer who worked in the president-elect’s first administration, would serve as White House counsel, but Trump later said McGinley would take a different role, serving as counsel to the “Department of Government Efficiency,” an effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to cut government spending and regulations.

“Bill will play a crucial role in liberating our Economy from burdensome Regulations, excess spending, and Government waste,” Trump said in a statement. “He will partner with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to provide advice and guidance to end the bloated Federal Bureaucracy.”

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

The president-elect has tapped his campaign’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, for a similar position in his administration: White House press secretary.

“Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American People as we, Make America Great Again,” Trump’s announcement reads in part.

Leavitt served as an assistant press secretary and presidential writer during Trump’s first term in office.

Will Scharf, assistant to the president and White House staff secretary

Trump tapped his personal lawyer Will Scharf to hold two titles in the president-elect’s second term: assistant to the president and White House staff secretary.

Scharf joined Trump’s legal team in October 2023, helping Trump with his multiple legal battles. 

As an appellate attorney for Trump, Scharf represented the former president in two appeals arising from his federal election subversion case: his gag order and presidential immunity defense. Scharf has also represented Trump in some appeals arising from the sexual abuse and defamation lawsuits brought by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. 

“Will is a highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team. He has played a key role in defeating the Election Interference and Lawfare waged against me, including by winning the Historic Immunity Decision in the Supreme Court,” Trump said in his announcement Saturday.

Scharf was previously a GOP candidate for Missouri Attorney General and a policy adviser for former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens.

Sergio Gor, director of White House personnel

Trump appointed Sergio Gor, an ally and business partner of his son, Donald Trump Jr., to run the White House’s personnel office in his new administration.

Gor is slated to lead the Presidential Personnel Office, an important position given Trump’s desire to stock his administration with loyalists and root out any individuals who may not follow through with his agenda. The office helps identify and put forward appointees to fill thousands of jobs across the federal government.

“Awesome news. Sergio will be great!” Trump Jr. posted on the social platform X about news of Gor’s appointment.

Gor is a former aide to Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and co-founded a publishing company with Trump Jr. that has published books by the president-elect and conservative personalities such as Charlie Kirk and Peter Navarro. Gor also led the pro-Trump super PAC Right for America.

During Trump’s first term, the office was led by Johnny McEntee, who reportedly sought out loyalists to serve in the administration. McEntee more recently worked on a Heritage Foundation effort to identify personnel and lay the foundation for the next Republican administration.

Steven Cheung, White House communications director

Steven Cheung, who has served as a top press aide on the Trump campaign for the past two years, will join the incoming administration as White House communications director.

While Cheung was not a regular presence on television like some of Trump’s other aides, he has worked with the former president in a communications role for years, having served on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns.

Cheung also did a stint as a top communications official for the UFC, a league headed up by Trump ally Dana White. The campaign spokesperson is known for his combative presence on social media.

Trump’s Senior Staff

Trump appointed three top advisors as senior White House staff in addition to Stephen Miller:

On Nov. 22, Trump tapped more of his team. The president-elect announced Dr. Sebastian Gorka to serve as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism.

Alex Wong was also appointed assistant to the president and principal deputy national security advisor.

On Nov. 25, Trump announced key appointments to three White House offices:

On Nov. 26, Trump tapped former speechwriter Vince Haley to lead his domestic policy agenda as director of the Domestic Policy Council. Haley helped lead the president-elect’s speechwriting team “on my Winning Campaign,” Trump said in the announcement.

​On Dec. 1, President-elect Trump said he would appoint Massad Boulos, a billionaire from Lebanon whose son Michael is married to Tiffany Trump, to serve as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. “Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene,” Trump wrote in a message on Truth Social.

On Dec. 2, Trump tapped Warren A. Stephens to serve as United States ambassador to the United Kingdom. Stephens has been the CEO of financial services firm Stephens Inc. for nearly 40 years. He also poured $1 million into MAGA Inc. in August, per NBC News reporting.

Who won’t be on Trump’s team

As he’s been talking about who will be in his next administration, Trump has also highlighted who won’t be.

One of them is former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who held the role of ambassador to the United Nations during Trump’s first term, and the other is former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In a tweet, Trump said he won’t be inviting them back, though he “very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously.”

“I was proud to work with President Trump, defending America at the United Nations,” Haley said in response on X. “I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years.”

Pompeo also said that he was proud to work in that previous administration and that it was time to put America first.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has withdrawn his name from the running for attorney general following controversy over his nomination.

Gaetz announced on X he had made the decision to withdraw after meeting with senators for feedback.

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General.  Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” he said.

Gaetz resigned from his seat in the current Congress once he was nominated and said at the time he would not be sworn into his seat in the upcoming Congress on Jan. 3, 2025.

Trump’s pick for administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency, Chad Chronister, declined the president-elect’s nomination on Dec. 3.

“Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration. There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling,” Chronister shared on X.

The Hillsborough County, Florida, sheriff shared his appreciation for the support he received after Trump’s choice.

NewsNation’s Damita Menezes, Devan Markham, Kristen Eskow, Steph Whiteside, The Associated Press, Reuters and The Hill contributed to this report.