Who will make it to the Trump 2.0 Cabinet? Top names for top 6 posts

As the dust settles on a contentious election, Donald Trump is enjoying his victory at his luxury Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. But while Trump takes a moment to celebrate with family and speak with global leaders, his team is already in transition mode. Behind the scenes meetings are underway and the first order of business is picking a team—a cabinet that will help shape the next four years. This process has already begun, with several top candidates being vetted for key positions. The competition for these roles, however, started long before Election Day.

So, who are the top picks to make up Trump’s new cabinet?

Vice President: JD Vance

Trump’s choice for Vice President is JD Vance, the 40-year-old senator from Ohio. With his selection, Vance will become the first millennial on a major party’s presidential ticket and one of the youngest vice presidents in U.S. history. A former Marine and venture capitalist, Vance is known for his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which catapulted him into the national spotlight. Interestingly, he once called Trump a “moral disaster,” but has since changed his views. After a successful Senate run in 2022, he’s now set to serve as the Vice President-elect.

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Secretary of State contenders

The Secretary of State role—critical given the current global conflicts—has several possible candidates. First up is Ric Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, known for his strong views on NATO and defence spending. Another name in the mix is Bill Hagerty, Trump’s former ambassador to Japan, who has a firm stance on China. Finally, there’s Marco Rubio, Florida senator and longtime Trump ally.

Defence Secretary: Mike Pompeo

For the role of Defence Secretary, Mike Pompeo is a likely contender. Already familiar with the Trump administration, Pompeo served as CIA head and later as Secretary of State. Now, he might be back for another round as Defence Secretary, a role where his experience could be invaluable.

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Treasury Secretary picks

With Trump’s campaign promise to revive the economy, the Treasury Secretary position will be crucial. The top pick is Scott Bessent, a hedge fund investor and economic advisor to Trump. He has previously supported Trump’s use of tariffs. Larry Kudlow, former head of the National Economic Council, is also being considered. Kudlow, a prominent financial analyst, is known for his pro-market stance.

Health Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

A surprising potential choice for Health Secretary is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who ended his own presidential campaign to support Trump, has ambitious plans for health reform and hopes to “make America healthy again.” Trump has even mentioned letting Kennedy “go wild” with health initiatives. However, Kennedy’s stance on issues like vaccines may face resistance from Republicans, making his confirmation unlikely. Still, he may hold influence in health policies, possibly as a health “czar” in the White House.

Chief of Staff: Seeking loyalty

The Chief of Staff role is critical, especially since Trump went through four chiefs in his first term. This time, he may aim to select someone loyal and enduring. Possible picks include Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign manager, and Kevin McCarthy, the former Speaker of the House.

Other notable figures might also join Trump’s administration. Kash Patel, a former National Security official under Trump, could return, potentially as CIA Director or Director of National Intelligence. Even Elon Musk is reportedly interested in joining with a new proposal—a Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to streamline federal processes.

Trump’s loyalty priority

Trump’s focus on loyalty is well-known, and he reiterated it recently on The Joe Rogan Podcast. Reflecting on his previous term, he expressed regret over some of his picks, many of whom eventually distanced themselves from him. This time, Trump seems determined to choose a team that will stand by him through thick and thin.

However, Trump’s party may not fully align with all his choices. Traditional Republicans often prioritise a robust foreign policy, including support for military aid and deregulation. On the other hand, Trump’s populist allies, like JD Vance and Don Jr., lean towards cutting military aid, boosting domestic industries, and reducing involvement in foreign conflicts.

This ideological split within the GOP will shape the Trump administration’s functioning, especially in areas of defence and economic policy. As Trump assembles his cabinet, it remains to be seen how these competing visions will impact his leadership and America’s role on the world stage.