Since his election victory last week, President-elect Trump has begun evaluating and laying out his Cabinet picks, with dozens of people vying for about two dozen of the government's top posts.
So far, Trump has only confirmed three names, although others have been leaked to the media.
Here's a look at who will join Trump's cabinet:
Publicly announced
Chief of Staff – Susie Wiles
Wiles was widely praised for leading Trump's successful campaign this year, having led Trump's campaign operations in Florida in 2016 and 2020. She has maintained close ties to the president-elect throughout the Biden administration and signed on as CEO of Trump's Save America PAC in 2021.
“Susie is tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected. 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 head of state -major in American history I have no doubt that she will make our country proud,” Trump said in a statement.
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United Nations Ambassador – Elise Stefanik
The New York Republican representative and current House GOP conference chairman has been an attack dog for Trump in Congress. She is a staunch supporter of Israel, having made headlines for her combative questioning of Ivy League college presidents over their handling of anti-Israel protests, some of which prompted the presidents to resign.
National Security Advisor – Michael Waltz
On Tuesday, Trump announced that the Republican representative from Florida and former Army Green Beret would be his national security adviser. He is decidedly a hawk on China and Iran.
“Mike retired as a colonel and is a nationally recognized leader in national security, a best-selling author and an expert on the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran and global terrorism,” Trump said in a statement.
“Mike has been a strong supporter of my “America First” foreign policy agenda and will be a formidable advocate for our pursuit of peace through strength!”
Ambassador of Israel – Mike Huckabee
Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, is a strong supporter of Israel, motivated by his evangelical faith.
“Mike has been a great public servant, governor and religious leader for many years. He loves Israel and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him,” said a statement attached to the message Trump's Social Truth. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring peace to the Middle East!”
EPA Administrator – Lee Zeldin
Zeldin, a former Republican in the New York House of Representatives, had a particularly strong, but unsuccessful, showing in the gubernatorial race against Kathy Hochul in 2022. During that race, he called for New York to lift its ban on hydraulic fracturing. He also lost his race for re-election to the House in 2022, but has maintained ties to the Trump team.
Sent to the Middle East – Steven Witkoff
Witkoff, real estate investor, owner and founder of the Witkoff Group, was tapped for Trump's Middle East. He campaigned with Trump during the campaign.
In his announcement, Trump said Witkoff would be a “relentless voice for PEACE” in the highly controversial region.
White House Counsel – William McGinley
McGinley, who served during Trump's first presidential term as White House cabinet secretary, returns to the White House for Trump's second term. The White House counsel conducts key behind-the-scenes research on potential Supreme Court nominees.
Director of the CIA – John Ratcliffe
Ratcliffe previously served under Trump during his first term as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). He will head the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
In 2020, he received the National Security Medal, the nation's highest honor for distinguished achievements in intelligence and national security.
Likely choices
Secretary of State – Marco Rubio
Sources tell Fox News that Trump has chosen Rubio, another Iran and China hawk, to lead the State Department. Rubio, a Florida Republican and senior Republican member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, ran for president in 2016 when he and Trump exchanged barbs, with Trump calling him “little Marco.”
It seems that water has flowed under the bridge now. Rubio was reportedly on a shortlist for vice presidential picks earlier this year.
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Choice outside Cabinet
“Border Tsar” – Tom Homan
Homan, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was one of the architects of Trump's zero-tolerance policy during his first administration, a policy that led to backlash following family separations at the border.
Homan served under six administrations and presidents of both parties, dating back to the Reagan era, as a rank-and-file Border Patrol agent. He was appointed to the position of Associate Executive Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations under President Obama.
While serving at the “czar” level rather than a formal Cabinet position, Homan will be responsible for “the southern border, the northern border, all maritime and air security,” Trump announced on Truth Social.
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“I have known Tom for a long time, and there is no one better to keep order and control our borders,” Trump wrote. “Similarly, Tom Homan will be in charge of all deportations of illegal aliens to their countries of origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt that he will do a fantastic and long-awaited job.”