Trump’s Next Administration: Key Candidates for Top Jobs

WASHINGTON: As Donald Trump prepares for his second term, his administration is starting to take shape. The first major appointment has already been made — his Chief of Staff. More key roles are expected to be filled soon, according to his transition team.

Jason Miller, a senior Trump advisor, confirmed that the team will include both returning officials and new faces. Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO, and Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, are leading the transition efforts.

Here’s an overview of some top contenders for key positions:

Chief of Staff:

Trump’s first pick is Susie Wiles, his election campaign manager. Wiles has earned widespread respect within the Trump team. In fact, Trump called her to the stage during his victory speech, and now she will become the first woman to hold the role of Chief of Staff.

“Susie is tough, smart, and universally respected,” Trump said about Wiles, a Florida native.

Attorney General:

Given Trump’s legal challenges and his mass deportation plans, the Attorney General will play a crucial role. Senators Mike Lee, Eric Schmitt, and former National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe are all reportedly under consideration.

Secretary of State:

The new Secretary of State will be key in implementing Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, which could shift U.S. alliances. Ric Grenell, the former ambassador to Germany and acting National Intelligence Director, is seen as a leading contender. Grenell is known for his blunt diplomatic style, once saying, “If you want to avoid war, you need someone tough at the helm.”

Additionally, Florida Senator Marco Rubio is also considered a strong candidate for the role.

Defense Secretary & CIA Director:

Both positions will be closely scrutinized by America’s foreign allies. Kash Patel, a former senior official in the Trump administration, and Texas Senator John Ratcliffe are being discussed as possible CIA Director candidates. Meanwhile, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton has reportedly ruled himself out of the Defense Secretary role.

Treasury Secretary:

Billionaire hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, a prominent Trump supporter, is seen as a leading candidate for Treasury Secretary. His financial expertise would be instrumental in pushing Trump’s economic policies, including deregulation, tax cuts, and trade protectionism. Another hedge fund manager, John Paulson, is also under consideration for a key economic position.

Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”):

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is expected to head the new “Department of Government Efficiency.” The department aims to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. Known for his no-nonsense approach to business, Musk’s leadership style suggests that significant changes are on the horizon, although the specifics of the cuts remain unclear.

Other Contenders:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and a vaccine skeptic, is likely to play a significant role in the administration. Trump has hinted at giving Kennedy a leading role in health policy reforms.

Other potential appointees include former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who recently switched to the Republican Party, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson..