 "Donald Trump’s second term dream team: Who’s set to shape his next Cabinet?")
As Donald Trump prepares for his second presidential term, speculation is rife about who might fill top roles in his Cabinet.
Trump’s first administration faced challenges, particularly due to some officials distancing themselves and publicly criticising him, including his own vice president at the time.
This time, however, Trump aims to surround himself with loyal allies who align closely with his America-First agenda.
We take a look at the top contenders whose names are doing the rounds:
White House Chief of Staff
Brooke Rollins
Brooke Rollins, a former Trump administration adviser and current head of the America First Policy Institute, stands out as a key candidate. With experience running the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term, Rollins is well-versed in Trump’s policy agenda and has the president’s trust.
Known for her role in advancing Trump’s criminal justice reform initiatives, Rollins has been a close confidante of Trump’s inner circle and remains a prominent name.
Kevin McCarthy
Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is another name floated for the chief of staff role. Despite a sometimes rocky relationship, McCarthy and Trump have maintained consistent communication.
McCarthy’s extensive legislative experience and Capitol Hill connections could be assets for advancing Trump’s agenda in Congress.
Susie Wiles
Campaign manager Susie Wiles, who is credited with organising Trump’s successful election efforts, is also considered a strong contender. Though Wiles has significant experience within Trump’s orbit, close sources indicate she may not be interested in taking the chief of staff role.
United States Secretary of State
Ric Grenell
Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, Ric Grenell, earned praise for taking a firm stance on NATO allies and defense spending. Later, as acting director of national intelligence, Grenell further strengthened his relationship with Trump’s inner circle.
Supported by Melania Trump and respected within Trump’s Mar-a-Lago set, Grenell is a top pick for Secretary of State. Grenell is also in the running for the National Security Advisor position.
Bill Hagerty
US Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, who served as ambassador to Japan, is another potential candidate. Known for his strong views on China and support for America-First policies, Hagerty has garnered the support of Trump’s conservative base.
Robert O’Brien
Former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, a trusted Trump adviser, also appears in conversations around the Secretary of State role. However, his support for NATO and Ukraine may work against him in securing a foreign policy position within a Trump administration.
Marco Rubio
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a prominent foreign policy figure and vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has been a Trump ally since the 2016 elections. While Rubio’s support for NATO and Ukraine poses a challenge, he remains a viable candidate due to his intelligence experience.
United States Defence Secretary
Mike Pompeo
Mike Pompeo, who previously held dual roles as CIA Director and US Secretary of State under Trump, is a seasoned Trump ally with experience in national security.
Pompeo’s alignment with Trump’s America-First perspective makes him a top pick for a high-ranking position, either as Defence Secretary or returning to State.
Tom Cotton
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, is also in the running for Defence Secretary. Cotton, an outspoken Trump supporter, brings extensive military experience and a strong stance on defense.
Mike Waltz
A former Army Green Beret and US congressman from Florida, Mike Waltz is a prominent advocate for addressing US-China tensions. Waltz’s views align with Trump’s foreign policy priorities, making him a strong candidate for Defense Secretary.
United States Attorney General
Mike Lee
Utah Senator Mike Lee, an experienced lawyer with a background clerking for a Supreme Court Justice, is a top contender for Attorney General. Lee’s unwavering support for Trump, particularly during the 2020 election disputes, makes him a strong candidate.
Ken Paxton
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has earned Trump’s praise for his “talent and dedication,” although Trump has noted that several qualified candidates are interested in the role. Paxton’s record of championing conservative causes aligns closely with Trump’s platform.
Aileen Cannon
Federal Judge Aileen Cannon, known for dismissing Trump’s classified documents case, is also reportedly under consideration for the Attorney General role. Cannon has been a consistent ally in Trump’s legal battles.
United States Treasury Secretary
Robert Lighthizer
Trump’s former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is likely to play a pivotal role in economic policy. Known for advocating tariffs and tougher trade stances, Lighthizer could serve in the Treasury or in an advisory role.
Larry Kudlow
Former economic adviser Larry Kudlow, a close Trump ally and influential figure in the America First Policy Institute, is another candidate for Treasury Secretary. Kudlow’s economic philosophy aligns with Trump’s deregulation agenda.
John Paulson
Hedge fund manager and Trump donor John Paulson has been privately discussed as a potential Treasury Secretary. Known for his support of tariffs and tax cuts, Paulson’s business expertise could bolster Trump’s economic policies.
Jamie Dimon
Though not fully committed, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has been considered for the Treasury role. Dimon’s regulatory stance and private remarks endorsing alternative candidates, however, cast uncertainty over his potential appointment.
Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent, a prominent economic adviser to Trump and former Yale professor, is considered a strong contender for Treasury Secretary.
A seasoned hedge fund investor with a close connection to Trump, Bessent has historically supported the Republican Party’s laissez-faire policies but also appreciates Trump’s strategic use of tariffs. He aligns with Trump’s economic approach, favouring caution toward both regulation and global trade.
United States Homeland Security Secretary
Several candidates are being considered for the role of Homeland Security Secretary, a key position given Trump’s stance on immigration. Tom Homan, a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement known for enforcing stringent immigration policies, is a strong contender.
Chad Wolf, Trump’s former acting Homeland Security Secretary, and Mark Green, an immigration hardliner, are also in the mix.
United States Health Policy Czar
Robert F Kennedy Jr, a vocal critic of COVID-19 vaccines and an advocate for removing fluoride from drinking water, has been tapped by Trump for a health policy role.
“RFK Jr came in, and he’s going to help Make America Healthy Again,” Trump stated in his victory speech. Initially an independent presidential candidate himself, Kennedy could oversee US health agencies under Trump’s administration.
“He’s a great guy and he really wants to do some things and we’re gonna let him go do it," added Trump.
Director of National Intelligence or CIA
Kash Patel, a former national security official and prominent Trump loyalist, may be considered for an intelligence role such as Director of National Intelligence or CIA Director.
Known for his commitment to Trump’s agenda, Patel’s close ties to the president-elect may bolster his candidacy, though Senate confirmation may prove challenging.
Second time’s the charm?
With the new administration set to begin on January 20, 2025, Trump’s Cabinet selections will be closely watched, particularly given his focus on loyalty and alignment with his policy goals.
Trump has openly acknowledged lessons learned from his first administration, telling podcaster Joe Rogan, “The biggest mistake I made… I picked some people that I shouldn’t have picked.”
Now, with a focus on trusted allies, Trump is poised to build a Cabinet geared to fully support his America-First vision.
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