Staffing the Cabinet is one of the first tasks that an incoming president faces. The Cabinet consists of the president’s top advisers and the highest officials in the nation, most of whom need confirmation by the Senate to serve in their designated roles.
Cabinet secretaries are responsible for running the federal government’s departments, acting as the public faces of their departments while overseeing the implementation of the president’s policies. They also provide counsel to the president on matters related to their respective departments.
President-elect Donald Trump has already announced his nominees for several top Cabinet positions, such as secretary of state. However, some positions in President Biden’s Cabinet are still up for grabs.
One such position is that of attorney general, which Trump initially intended to nominate former Rep. Matt Gaetz for. However, Gaetz withdrew from consideration due to an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation. The attorney general oversees the Department of Justice, which employs a large number of prosecutors, investigators, civil attorneys, and other staff. The attorney general also gives legal advice to the president and other federal agencies, supervises law enforcement agencies under the Justice Department, and has the power to appoint special counsels.
Another key position is the agriculture secretary, for which Trump has yet to announce a nominee. The agriculture secretary oversees the Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for matters related to farming, livestock food production, agricultural trade, food safety, and natural resource protection.
The commerce secretary is expected to be billionaire Howard Lutnick, who currently serves as the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. The commerce secretary advises the president on commerce-related matters and oversees the Commerce Department’s efforts to drive economic development and job growth while blocking harmful trade practices.
For the defense secretary position, Trump has chosen Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth, a surprising pick given the role typically goes to individuals with senior military experience. The defense secretary is responsible for overseeing the U.S. military, crafting national defense policy, and coordinating intelligence efforts with the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council.
Trump plans to nominate Linda McMahon, a former WWE executive, for the education secretary role. The education secretary oversees the Department of Education, which is responsible for distributing federal financial aid for education, collecting data on schools, and ensuring non-discrimination policies are enforced.
In terms of energy, Trump has selected Chris Wright, a fossil fuel executive, to serve as energy secretary. The energy secretary oversees national energy production and policy, including nuclear development and energy conservation programs.
For the Department of Health and Human Services, Trump intends to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a lawyer and vaccine skeptic. Kennedy’s views on vaccines and public health have been controversial, but if confirmed, he would oversee a large agency that includes the CDC, NIH, FDA, and other health-related entities.
Trump has announced South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as his pick for secretary of homeland security. The department is responsible for domestic security concerns, including anti-terrorism, border security, disaster prevention, and management.
The Interior Department would be led by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, replacing Deb Haaland. The Interior Department manages federal land and runs programs for indigenous populations.
For labor secretary, Trump has yet to announce a nominee. The labor secretary oversees federal laws related to workplace safety, wages, and employment services.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is Trump’s choice for secretary of state, overseeing U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy efforts. Rubio’s experience in foreign relations makes him a strong candidate for the role.
Former Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy is Trump’s nominee for transportation secretary, overseeing the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including highways, railroads, aviation, and trucking regulation.
Janet Yellen currently serves as treasury secretary, advising the president on economic and fiscal policy. The treasury secretary manages the U.S. Mint and the IRS, among other agencies.
Former Rep. Doug Collins is Trump’s pick for veterans affairs secretary, overseeing veterans’ benefits and health care services.
Trump intends to nominate former New York congressman Lee Zeldin to head the EPA, enforcing environmental laws and conducting assessments and research.
For the Small Business Administration, Trump has not announced a nominee. The administrator supports small businesses and entrepreneurs to boost the economy.
New York Rep. Elise Stefanik is Trump’s choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, representing U.S. interests on the global stage.
Russell Vought is Trump’s pick for director of the Office of Management and Budget, managing the federal budget and financial paperwork.
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Rep., is Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, overseeing intelligence gathering and analysis.
These are just a few of the key positions that Trump is in the process of filling in his new administration. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in shaping and implementing the policies and decisions of the U.S. government.
