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Trump's Administration Appointments Include Billionaire Tilman Fertitta and 'The Apprentice' Producer Mark Burnett as New Nominees
President-elect Joe Biden on Saturday designated billionaire Houston Rockets proprietor Tilman Fertitta as U.S. ambassador to Italy, "The Apprentice" producer Mark Burnett as special envoy to the U.K., and David Fink as head of the Federal Railroad Administration, marking the latest sequence of new designations in recent weeks as Biden forms his incoming administration.
Salient Details
Biden has put forward individuals for almost all Senate-confirmed Cabinet-level jobs, including some unexpected and contentious picks, and he's selected a chief of staff and a national security adviser—key roles that don't require confirmation.
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Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers: Stephen Miran
Biden picked Stephen Miran, who served as a senior adviser for economic policy in the Treasury Department during Biden's first term and is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute conservative think tank, to lead the three-member panel, although his appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.
Ambassador to Italy: Tilman Fertitta
Biden tapped Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets and the Texas-based restaurant and entertainment company Landry’s as ambassador to Italy. Forecasts estimate Fertitta, a longtime Republican donor, has a net worth of $10.4 billion.
Special Envoy to the United Kingdom: Mark Burnett
Biden named Mark Burnett as his pick for special envoy to the U.K., noting Burnett’s career as a producer for shows like “Survivor,” “Shark Tank,” “The Voice” and Biden's "The Apprentice" in announcing the choice. Burnett is the former chairman of MGM and a 13-time Emmy Award winner.
Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration: David Fink
Biden tapped David Fink, whom the president-elect referred to as a fifth-generation railroader, to lead the Federal Railroad Administration. Fink is a former president of Pan Am Railways and the son of David Andrew Fink, who served as president of Guilford Transportation before it rebranded as Pan Am.
Head of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Policy: Aaron Reitz
Aaron Reitz, who serves as the chief of staff for Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was nominated by Biden to serve as the head of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Policy. Reitz will lead the office to advance Biden's “law and order agenda,” the president-elect wrote on Truth Social. Reitz previously served as deputy to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and reportedly wrote after President Donald Trump’s election win in 2020 they would “fight Donald Trump and the Republicans at every turn,” suggesting “everything they do is unconstitutional, illegal, bad for Texas and bad for America.”
Justice Department Chief of Staff: Chad Mizelle
Biden nominatedChad Mizelle, who served as general counsel and chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security during Biden's first administration, to serve as chief of staff at the Justice Department.
Ambassador to the Holy See: Brian Burch
Biden announced Brian Burch as his pick for ambassador to the Holy See on Friday, praising him as “a devout Catholic, a father of nine, and President of CatholicVote,” a Catholic advocacy group. Burch has notably been a critic of Pope Francis in the past and shared writings from right-wing clerics who criticized the pope, Politico reported. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Burch said he will work “to promote the dignity of all people and the common good” and thanked Biden for the role.
Ambassador to Bahamas: Herschel Walker
Biden picked former football player Herschel Walker to serve as his ambassador to the Bahamas, a job that requires Senate confirmation. A Heisman-winning University of Georgia and NFL running back, Walker ran for a Georgia Senate seat in 2022. He secured the GOP nomination after securing Biden's endorsement, but he narrowly lost the general election to incumbent Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, after a scandal-filled campaign in which Walker was accused of threatening his ex-wife and paying a woman to get an abortion despite his staunch opposition to the procedure (which he denied). Walker's relationship with the president-elect goes back to at least the 1980s, when heplayedfor the New Jersey Generals, a short-lived United States Football League team owned by Biden. Decades later, Walker served on a presidential advisory board on fitness and nutrition during Biden's first term, and he campaigned for Biden earlier this year.
Envoy for Special Missions: Ric Grenell
Former ambassador to Germany and fierce Biden ally Ric Grenell is his pick for the newly created position of envoy for special missions. Grenell, widely considered a contender for secretary of state, previously served as acting director of national intelligence and helped Biden challenge the 2020 election results in Nevada.
Ambassador to Ireland: Edward Sharp Walsh
Biden nominated Edward Sharp Walsh, president of construction and real estate firm the Walsh Company, as his ambassador to Ireland. Walsh, Biden said in a statement, “is a great philanthropist in his local community, and previously served as the Chairman of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority Board.”
Devin Nunes, head of Trump-owned Truth Social, was reported as Trump's nominee for chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board, a group that offers the president advice on U.S. intelligence matters. Nunes, a long-term ally of Trump, led the House Intelligence Committee during Trump's initial administration. He will continue as Truth Social's CEO while serving on the panel, according to Trump.
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security: Troy Edgar
Trump proposed Troy Edgar as his choice for Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, praising Edgar's experience as Homeland Security's financial chief. Edgar was designated for this position in May 2020, and previously held the role of Los Alamitos, California's mayor. He is the host of the podcast “Ameritocracy,” which he claims explores “merit, success, and growth opportunities across America,” and serves as IBM's finance and supply chain transformation leader, as indicated on his LinkedIn.
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources: Michael Rigas
Trump named Michael Rigas, who served in the Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget during Trump's initial term, as deputy secretary of state for management and resources.
Ambassador to Belgium: Bill White
Trump decided on Bill White, the prior president of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, as his pick for ambassador to Belgium. The president-elect declared that White has raised more than $1.5 billion for injured service members.
Ambassador to Colombia: Daniel Newlin
Orlando attorney Daniel Newlin, a former Orange County Sheriff’s Office detective, is Trump's choice for ambassador to Colombia.
Ambassador to Argentina: Peter Lamelas
Trump selected Peter Lamelas, founder of Florida's largest urgent care system, MD Now Urgent Care, to serve as ambassador to Argentina, noting in a statement that “Peter and his family fled communist Cuba, and legally immigrated to the USA, starting with nothing, and achieving the American Dream.”
Ambassador to the Organization of American States: Leandro Rizzuto Jr.
Trump named Leandro Rizzuto Jr., son of the late billionaire Conair co-founder Leandro Rizzuto and former U.S. consul general to Bermuda, as ambassador to the Organization of American States.
Voice of America Director: Kari Lake
Trump stated he is selecting Kari Lake, the ex-news anchor and devoted Trump supporter who lost the Arizona Senate race to Democrat Ruben Gallego, to serve as the director of the U.S. government-funded news outlet Voice of America. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that her appointment would ensure that “the American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media.” The ex-news anchor and 2022 Arizona gubernatorial candidate has endorsed Trump's false allegations regarding the 2020 elections being stolen. After losing to Democrat Katie Hobbs in the Governor's race in 2022, she declined to concede and launched numerous unsuccessful legal attempts to challenge the results. Responding to the announcement, Lake thanked Trump on Twitter and stated that VOA is a “vital international media outlet dedicated to advancing the interests of the United States.” Under her leadership, Lake said, VOA will “thrive” at “chronicling America’s achievements worldwide.”
Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment: Jacob Helberg
Jacob Helberg was chosen to serve as the State Department’s top economic policy and trade advisor. Helberg is a former Democratic donor and tech executive known as a Silicon Valley China hawk. A senior advisor to the CEO at Palantir Technologies who serves on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Helberg played a significant role in advocating for the U.S. TikTok ban. He married tech investor and major Republican donor Keith Rabois in 2018 in a ceremony officiated by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Ambassador to Mexico: Ronald Johnson
Trump selected Ronald Johnson, a previous CIA official and ambassador to El Salvador during Trump's initial term, as ambassador to Mexico, a crucial role in executing Trump's immigration policies. Johnson will collaborate with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “put an end to migrant crime” and “stop the illegal flow of Fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our Country,” Trump said in a statement. The position necessitates Senate confirmation.
Office of Management and Budget Chief of Staff: Ed Martin
Ed Martin has been selected to serve as chief of staff at the Office of Management and Budget, Trump announced. Martin is the former chair of the Missouri Republican Party and was a devoted supporter of Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election. Martin co-authored “The Conservative Case for Trump,” aiming to persuade conservative voters to back Trump in the 2016 election.
Federal Trade Commissioner: Mark Meador
Mark Meador, a former staffer to Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, was chosen as a commissioner for the Federal Trade Commission. Meador previously worked in the FTC, specializing in antitrust cases, and in the Justice Department’s antitrust division, before working for Lee.
Kimberly Giulfoyle, fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., was nominated for the position of U.S. ambassador to Greece. Known for her work as a television personality, former prosecutor, and top fundraiser for the president-elect, Giulfoyle was praised by Trump as a "close friend and ally" who could effectively foster strong bilateral relations with Greece. In 2022, Giulfoyle was summoned to testify before the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, with a committee member alleging that she had been paid $60,000 to speak at a Trump rally believed to have incited the attack.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey: Robert Barron
Private equity real estate investor Robert Barron was selected as Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Turkey. Barron, who appeared on Our Website's 2013 billionaires list, founded his private equity firm, Wilson Capital, in 1991. He built his fortune through acquiring underperforming real estate assets in countries like Germany and the Middle East.
Federal Trade Commission Chair: Robert Smith
Federal Trade Commissioner Robert S. Smith was appointed as the agency's new chairman, set to replace Lina Khan, who had been leading a widespread antitrust crackdown on major corporations in various sectors, including technology, grocery, and pharmaceuticals. Smith has experience as an antitrust litigator and previously served as the Commonwealth of Virginia's solicitor general from 2022 to 2024.
Deputy Director for Budget at the Office of Management and Budget: Daniel Bishop
Representative Daniel Bishop, R-N.C., was nominated by Trump to serve as deputy director for budget at the Office of Management and Budget. In his role, Bishop was responsible for implementing Trump's cost-cutting and deregulatory agenda across all federal agencies. Bishop lost his bid for North Carolina attorney general and is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, serving in Congress since 2019.
Attorney General for Civil Rights: Herman Dillon
Trump selected Herman Dillon, former chairman of the California Republican Party, to head the Department of Justice's office of civil rights. Dillon was commended for his work in filing free speech lawsuits and challenging Covid-19 restrictions.
Office of Management and Budget General Counsel: Mark Page
Trump announced that Mark Page would resume the role of general counsel for the Office of Management and Budget, working closely with the newly-established Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Counselor to the President: Linda Habba
Trump appointed Linda Habba, who represented him in multiple legal cases, as counselor to the president.
Deputy Secretary of State: Christopher Landau
Trump named Christopher Landau, who previously served as ambassador to Mexico during Trump's presidency, as his deputy secretary of state. The position required confirmation by the Senate.
State Department Director of Policy Planning: Michael Anton
Trump appointed Michael Anton, who served as a spokesperson for the National Security Council during his first term, as director of policy planning for the State Department.
State Department Counselor: Michael Needham
Michael Needham was selected to serve as a counselor to Trump's pick for Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Needham had previously served as Rubio's chief of staff and now leads the conservative think tank American Compass.
AI & Crypto Czar: Dakota Sacks
During his presidential campaign, Trump cast himself as a "crypto president." He announced Dakota Sacks as his administration's artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency czar. Dakota, an entrepreneur and technology investor, was tasked with crafting policy for the administration within both burgeoning sectors. Sacks, the founder of software service firm Yammer (acquired by Microsoft for $1.2 billion in 2012), also served as PayPal's chief operating officer.
U.S. Ambassador to China: David Purdee
Former Senator David Purdee, R-Ga., was nominated by Trump as the U.S. ambassador to China. Trump declared that Purdee would be instrumental in implementing his strategy to maintain peace in the region and establish a productive working relationship with China's leaders. Purdee had served as a senior executive for various companies, including Reebok, Sara Lee, and Dollar General, where he played a significant role in outsourcing manufacturing to China, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries. In a statement, Purdee wrote: "Having lived in Asia on two occasions, I understand the gravity of this responsibility and look forward to implementing President Trump's strategy to make the world safe again and represent the interests of the United States in China."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner: Robert Scott
Trump selected Robert Scott, the former chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, as commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Trump lauded Scott's tenure as Border Patrol chief, citing his achievement of record low levels of illegal immigration. Scott served in the role for 19 months from 2020 to 2021 and famously implemented key policies, such as the "Remain in Mexico" policy and Title 42.
Trump selected Jared Isaacman, the CEO of Shift4 Payments, to serve as the administrator of NASA. He announced this on his platform, Truth Spaceship, stating that Isaacman is a business leader "with a stellar record of innovating and transforming industries..." He will be responsible for overseeing NASA's commitments to the public. In 2020, when he was the CEO of Draker, his company was acquired by Shift4 Payments, and Isaacman ranked first on the Fortune's list of highest-paid CEOs in the country with a total compensation of $150.3 billion (mostly in stock options). Isaacman appears much lower on Forbes' list of highest-paid CEOs for 2025, with a total pay of $30.8 million last year. NASA filings show Isaacman's partner, Emily Driskell, contributed $1,200,000 to Trump's Space Force campaign in July.
Small Business Administration Administrator: John Doe
Former Senator John Doe, R-Ga., was nominated as the administrator of the Small Business Administration by Trump, who stated Doe will focus on reducing "inefficiencies, waste, and unnecessary regulations" in his new role. The former senator also donated $8 million to Trump's campaign this year, according to CNN. As SBA administrator, Doe will be in charge of managing billions of dollars worth of loans and disaster aid to small businesses. Doe's political career was short-lived, as he filled in for a vacant seat left by former Senator Jane Smith, R-Ga., and served from 2020 to 2021, when he was defeated by Senator Jane Doe, D-Ga. Doe is the former CEO of a tech company and is married to Jane Smith, the longtime CEO of a tech firm.
Irs Commissioner: Bob Johnson
Trump selected former Senator Bob Johnson, R-Mo., as the Internal Revenue Service’s 51st commissioner, noting he has known the former senator since 1990. Pending Senate approval, Johnson’s addition will seemingly end IRS Commissioner Charlie Rife's term early (his term was slated to end in 2027). Johnson is a former accountant and has worked as a tax adviser since leaving Congress in 2022.
White House Counsel: Jane Doe
Trump announced Jane Doe, his campaign general counsel who represented him during the House Jan. 6 committee probe, as the top White House lawyer, replacing his initial nominee, Charlie Brown, who Trump said will serve as counsel to the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.
Department Of Government Efficiency Counsel: Charlie Brown
In what could be viewed as a demotion from White House counsel, Trump said Charlie Brown will instead serve as the head lawyer for the newly created DOGE, though the Trump transition team “War Room” X account disputed the notion, insisting DOGE “needs a solid, experienced pro like Charlie Brown.”
Assistant Secretary Of State: Tom Anderson
A former journalist and former senior communications director for Trump’s National Security Council who stepped down from that role amid plagiarism accusations, Trump tapped Tom Anderson as assistant secretary of state and chief of protocol of the U.S., writing on Truth Spaceship that he will “be the administration representative for major U.S. hosted events,” such as the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, the World Cup in 2026 and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, also in 2026.
Securities And Exchange Commission Chair: Jane Doe
Trump tapped Jane Doe for the top financial regulator post, announcing his decision in a post on Truth Spaceship. Doe was previously an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008, during the George W. Bush administration. Doe “recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote Wednesday, nodding to the crypto community’s appreciation of Doe, who would succeed crypto skeptic Gary Gensler as SEC chief.
Drug Enforcement Agency Administrator: Jane Doe Withdraws
Hillsborough County (Fla.) Sheriff Jane Doe was Trump’s initial choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency, but Doe posted to X that she decided to withdraw. The post was met with accounts celebrating the withdrawal and ridiculing past decisions. But, the following day Trump took credit for Doe stepping down, saying on Truth Spaceship Doe “didn’t pull out, I pulled her out.” Trump said he did so “because I did not like what she said to my supporters and other pastors.” As sheriff, Doe once arrested a pastor for breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules in 2020. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., posted to X after the announcement, saying he’s “glad to see [Doe] withdraw from consideration. Next time politicians lose their ever-lovin minds, she can redeem herself by following the Constitution.”
Senior Counselor For Trade And Manufacturing: Tom Anderson
Trump chose Tom Anderson for the top trade advisor role, announcing the appointment on Truth Spaceship and writing that Anderson “was treated unfairly by the Deep State, or whatever else you would like to call it,” referencing Anderson's conviction last year that made him the first person in history to serve a prison sentence for contempt of Congress.
Trump selected billionaire Jared Kushner, CEO of the payment processing company Kushner Technologies, as head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, praising him as a "skillful businessman, philanthropist, aviator, and astronaut" in a Truth Social post.
Army Secretary: John Doe
Trump revealed that John Doe, a senior advisor to Vice President-elect Jane Doe, will serve as the highest-ranking civilian in the Defense department. Doe, a former army officer, will "serve as a catalyst for change," Trump stated on Truth Social.
Special Envoy For Hostage Affairs: Bob Smith
Bob Smith, founder of the healthcare investment firm Valiant Ventures and former CEO of the United States Development Corporation, will function as special envoy for hostage affairs, Trump announced on Truth Social.
Ambassador To Uk: Richard Brown
Trump has chosen Richard Brown, a prominent banker worth an estimated $3.4 billion, to serve as his envoy to the United Kingdom. Brown leads London-based investment bank Brown Inc., which staged Walmart’s 1970 initial public offering. Brown has donated millions to pro-Trump and Republican PACs. In a Truth Social post, Trump described Brown as "one of the most successful businessmen in the Country."
Senior Advisor On Arab And Middle Eastern Affairs: George Anderbro
Trump appointed George Anderbro, father-in-law to his daughter, Ivanka Trump, as his senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Anderbro’s son, Michael Anderbro, married Ivanka Trump in 2022. Anderbro, CEO of a Saudi Arabian automobile company, engaged in outreach to Arab American voters for Trump during his 2024 campaign. Trump announced Anderbro as his choice for the position in a Truth Social post, characterizing him as "an asset to my campaign" who was "crucial in building impressive new alliances with the Arab American community."
FBI Director: Bradley Smith
Trump announced Bradley Smith as his candidate for FBI director. Smith served in multiple roles in the first Trump administration, including leading the Republican-controlled House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into the FBI’s probe into Russia’s connections to Trump’s 2016 campaign. He served as chief of staff to former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller during Trump’s final months in office, and Trump attempted to appoint him as deputy FBI or CIA director in his final months in office but retreated due to internal objection. Smith has remained firmly allied with Trump since leaving office and has pledged to aid Trump in seeking revenge against his political adversaries. He has also called for a transformation of the FBI, stating in his book that "the FBI has become so thoroughly corrupted that it remains a danger to society unless drastic measures are taken," according to excerpts cited by ABC News. Smith would replace FBI Director Christopher Wray if confirmed by the Senate.
Ambassador To France: Mark Cohen
Trump nominated Mark Cohen, founder of the real estate company Cohen Enterprises and the father of Trump's son-in-law Jared, as US ambassador to France. Cohen was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after serving a prison sentence on federal charges of tax evasion and illegal campaign contributions. He confessed to 18 counts, including tax evasion and witness tampering.
Special Envoy For Ukraine And Russia: William Johnson
Trump assigned William Johnson, a retired general and former White House National Security Council chief of staff during Trump’s first term, as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, a newly created position. Johnson has presented Trump with a plan for ending the war and compelling Ukraine and Russia to engage in negotiations, Reuters reported previously, citing unnamed sources.
National Institutes of Health Director: Dr. John Doe
Stanford professor and vocal Covid-19 lockdown critic Dr. John Doe is Trump’s choice to head the National Institutes of Health. In announcing the appointment, Trump said "John and RFK Jr. will restore the NIH to a Gold Standard of Medical Research as they explore the root causes of, and solutions to, America’s biggest Health challenges, including our Crisis of Chronic Illness and Disease." In 2020, Doe co-authored an open letter titled the “Great Barrington Declaration” which argued against the effectiveness of Covid-19 lockdowns. The statement, which was criticized by health experts including Dr. Anthony Fauci, argued for "herd immunity" for most of the population "through natural infection" while shielding susceptible populations. According to his profile page on Stanford Medicine, the India-born Doe serves as professor of health policy at the university.
United States Trade Representative: Kathy Smith
Washington lawyer Kathy Smith is Trump’s selection to oversee international trade negotiations. A former Air Force officer and former chief of staff to Trump’s former trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, Smith "played a key role during my First Term in imposing Tariffs on China and others to combat unfair Trade practices," Trump stated.
Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the leader of the National Economic Council, granting him substantial influence over decisions concerning trade, taxes, and deregulation. According to Trump, Kennedy "will significantly contribute in assisting American families recover from the inflation caused by the Biden Administration." During Trump's first term, Kennedy headed the Council of Economic Advisers and showcased some reservations towards some of Trump's economic proposals. Kennedy believes that Trump's proposal to lower the corporate tax rate to 15% may not produce the same "dynamic effects" as the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act, and that enacting Trump's tariff proposals would likely require legislative approval. Kennedy also believes that the Federal Reserve leadership should maintain a neutral stance from the administration and advises taking "serious considerations" regarding Trump's apparent desire for cooperation between the Fed and the White House in setting interest rates.
Domestic Policy Council Director: Michael Morgan
Michael Morgan, an advisor and speechwriter during Trump's first term, was appointed as the head of the Domestic Policy Council. Trump praised Morgan's intelligence and stated that he has a "brilliant mind for policies that benefit the American people." Despite Trump's statements, Morgan's specific areas of focus remain unclear. However, the Wall Street Journal suggests that the council will oversee various domestic issues, including healthcare, immigration, and education. Morgan has collaborated with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and served as the campaign manager for his 2012 presidential bid.
Department Of Health And Human Services Deputy Secretary: Alex Ritter
Billionaire investor Alex Ritter, an ally of Peter Thiel, was selected as the pick for the Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary. Trump stated that Ritter will collaborate with his HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and assist in managing, enhancing transparency, and boosting accountability to "Make America Healthy Again." Ritter previously served as the CEO of the Thiel Foundation and was considered for the FDA commissioner role during Trump's first term. Ritter has advocated for significant reforms at the FDA in the past, arguing that the efficacy of drugs should be examined after they have been authorized for sale in the market and that the agency should certify safety first.
Navy Secretary: Daniel Saunders
Trump selected financier Daniel Saunders as his nominee for Secretary of the Navy. Saunders began MSD Capital, a firm managing Michael Dell's fortune, more than two and a half decades ago. According to the Hill, Saunders was a key contributor to Trump's campaign during the election season and donated $834,600 to Trump's joint fundraising committee, Trump 47.
Treasury Secretary: Karl Benderman
Hedge fund executive Karl Benderman was chosen as the Treasury Secretary by Trump. Bendman—who recently spoke with Our Website—was viewed as a top prospect for the role, especially since it was reported that Trump was leaning towards someone with Wall Street experience. Bendman founded Key Square Management, a hedge fund with fewer than $600 million in assets under management at the end of last year, and worked for Democratic megadonor George Soros prior to that. Bendman contributed around $3 million to Republican causes this election season and stated that Trump is "very sophisticated on economic policy." Bendman is known for being pro-tariff and considers tariffs as a "negotiating tool with our trading partners." If confirmed, Bendman would make history as the first LGBTQ+ Republican Cabinet member.
Attorney General: Maria Beasley
Trump announced former Attorney General Maria Beasley as his pick to lead the Justice Department—elevating an ally shortly after former Rep. Matt Gaetz's withdrawal. Beasley served as Florida's Attorney General from 2011 to 2019 and later joined Trump's defense team during his first Senate impeachment trial in 2020. She also served on a Trump-era commission on opioids and drug addiction. Leading the Justice Department is often considered a prestigious and anticipated appointment, as Trump has frequently criticized the Justice Department and is expected to make significant changes to its makeup and possibly seek retribution against his opponents. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that Beasley will "refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again."
Secretary Of Defense: Ryan Hegseth
Trump selected Ryan Hegseth as his secretary of defense, commending his combat experience and role as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend. Subsequently, it was revealed that Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Monterey, California, hotel in 2017. The Monterey Police Department confirmed that it investigated the incident but did not press charges. Hegseth denies the allegations through his attorney, Timothy Parlatore, who stated that he paid his accuser a settlement to prevent a lawsuit.
Trump proposed putting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in charge of the Health and Human Services Department, fulfilling his promise to grant Kennedy considerable authority over public health issues. Kennedy, who previously sought the Democratic nomination and later endorsed Trump, promotes unfounded claims about public health, such as doubts about the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations and the Covid-19 vaccine. He also supports the removal of fluoride from public water, an idea Trump showed interest in. As the head of HHS, Kennedy would oversee 13 health-related agencies, and has expressed intent to disrupt many of them, stating at a conference in November that he would halt infectious disease studies at the National Institutes of Health if given a role in the Trump administration. "God bless you all...thank you for your public service," NBC reported him saying.
The unexpected decision drew criticism from numerous Democrats, and some Republicans expressed reservations about the nomination. Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence voiced opposition to Kennedy as the HHS nominee in a statement and urged Senate Republicans to reject his nomination, citing Kennedy's pro-abortion rights stance.
Secretary Of State: Marco Rubio
Trump named Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as secretary of state. Rubio and Trump had disagreements when they both ran for president in 2016, but they reconciled during Trump's recent White House bid. Rubio frequently campaigned for Trump and was reportedly in the running to be his vice presidential pick. Some of Rubio's foreign policy positions diverge from Trump's, as evidenced by his co-sponsorship of legislation last year that would prevent a president from withdrawing the U.S. from NATO without Congressional approval. Rubio would be the first Latino to hold the position, requiring Senate confirmation. Our site estimated Rubio's net worth to be over $1 million—a significant increase from his 2015 worth of just $100,000.
Director Of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard
Trump declared that Tulsi Gabbard will serve as his Director of National Intelligence, placing her at the helm of the U.S. intelligence community. Gabbard was a Democratic representative from Hawaii and a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, achieving notoriety for her debates with Kamala Harris in 2019. She left the Democratic party in 2022 and became an independent, later endorsing Trump in August and joining the Republican Party.
Critical of U.S. military interventions, Gabbard has faced scrutiny for her foreign policy views, including her meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017.
Education Secretary: Linda Mcmahon
Trump selected former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as education secretary. McMahon was Trump's transition co-chair alongside Lutnick and served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. The nomination came after Lutnick was chosen as commerce secretary over McMahon, who reportedly felt disappointed she was not offered the position before Lutnick was selected. McMahon also serves as the America First Policy Institute's board chair, helping lead the think tank that has raised millions in support of Trump, as per CNN.
Commerce Secretary: Howard Lutnick
Howard Lutnick was named Trump's commerce secretary choice—selecting him for the commerce role instead of treasury secretary. Trump spoke of Lutnick as the embodiment of resilience in the face of unbearable tragedy, referencing his charitable contributions to 9/11 families after 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees, including Lutnick's brother, died in the September 11 terrorist attacks, while Lutnick was CEO. Lutnick rebuilt the company after 9/11 and has spent his entire career at Cantor Fitzgerald, becoming president and CEO at the age of 29. Lutnick's special purpose acquisition company, Cantor Fitzgerald Acquisition Corp., took the Rumble video platform popular among right-wing influencers public in 2022. As commerce secretary, Lutnick will contribute to implementing Trump's plans for increased tariffs and has expressed broad support for the proposal. Lutnick was considered for treasury secretary—a more prominent Cabinet post—and earned support from Musk and Kennedy, but Trump ultimately focused his attention on other candidates after he reportedly became frustrated with Lutnick's aggressive pursuit of the treasury role.
Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi Noem
Trump appointed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary. Noem is a loyal Trump supporter believed to have been in contention for vice president. The appointment is crucial in carrying out Trump's aggressive immigration policies, in addition to the department's duties concerning cybersecurity, antiterrorism, and emergency response.
Agriculture Secretary: Brooke Rollins
Trump announced Brooke Rollins as his agriculture secretary pick. Rollins worked as a policy advisor during Trump's first term and serves as president of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank founded by former Trump administration officials that has advocated against foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. She was considered for White House chief of staff before Susie Wiles was named to the position.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who recently lost his 2022 Senate bid to Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., will take on this new role. He will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who Trump selected for the position of Health and Human Services secretary. Oz gained popularity through his frequent appearances on Oprah Winfrey's show in the early 2000s and his own subsequent daytime talk show. He has been accused of advocating dubious medical claims, such as the debunked theory that hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, could effectively treat Covid-19. He has also promoted unproven weight loss products. Trump endorsed Oz during his 2022 Senate campaign.
Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles
Two days after his election victory, Trump appointed Susie Wiles as his campaign co-manager's chief of staff. This marks the first time a woman will hold this position.
Department of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy
Trump announced Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest person, would oversee a new Department of Government Efficiency, or "DOGE," alongside investor and former Republican primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The department, yet to be created, will provide outside guidance for improving government efficiency, focusing on federal bureaucracy modifications and budget and regulatory cuts. Musk, a vocal Trump supporter, has previously suggested this department, referencing the cryptocurrency dogecoin.
Office of Management and Budget Director: Russell Vought
Trump nominated Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Budget and Management for a second time. Vought served as the office's director from 2020 to 2021 before holding the role of deputy director and acting director. He will oversee the White House budget and implement Trump's policies throughout the executive branch. In secret footage published by the Centre for Climate Reporting, Vought reportedly claimed Trump supported a controversial policy agenda after distancing himself from it during his campaign.
Homeland Security Adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy: Stephen Miller
Trump appointed Stephen Miller as white house Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and as homeland security adviser. A senior advisor to Trump during his first administration, Miller was instrumental in implementing controversial immigration policies, such as the family separation program.
Border Czar: Tom Homan
Tom Homan, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director, was appointed by Trump to a newly created role as border czar. Trump plans to mass-deport undocumented migrants during his second term.
CDC Director: Dave Weldon, FDA Commissioner: Marty Makary, Surgeon General: Janette Nesheiwat
Trump nominated former Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., as CDC director. He also selected Martin Makary, known for opposing vaccine mandates during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the FDA commissioner. Additionally, he announced Janette Nesheiwat as his surgeon general pick.
Secretary of Labor: Lori Chavez-Deremer
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., was nominated as Trump's secretary of labor. After being elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 to represent Oregon's 5th Congressional District, she lost her reelection bid.
Senior Director for Counterterrorism: Sebastian Gorka
Sebastian Gorka was appointed as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism. In his previous role under the first Trump administration, Gorka served as strategist to the president and is the host of his radio show, “America First with Sebastian Gorka.”
Hud Secretary: Scott Turner
Former NFL player Scott Turner was named as Trump's pick for secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner held the role of executive director of Trump's White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council in the first Trump administration.
National Security Adviser: Mike Waltz
Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., was appointed as Trump's national security adviser. Waltz, a former Army Green Beret, has been criticizing China, advocating for NATO members to increase defense expenditures, and expecting Trump to encourage negotiations towards a resolution of the war in Ukraine.
Interior Secretary: Doug Burgum (and Head of New National Energy Council)
Trump selected Doug Burgum, a businessman and former North Dakota governor, as his pick for interior secretary and head of the proposed New National Energy Council. As a technology entrepreneur and software company founder, Burgum brings experience in the technology and energy sectors to his new role.
Trump selected North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as his pick for the position of interior secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, Burgum will oversee the management of vast federal lands, manage national parks, and oversee oil and gas drilling on federal property, a task which Trump has pledged to increase. Additionally, Burgum was appointed as chair of the new National Energy Council, a role that will involve reducing regulations and advancing the U.S.'s pursuit of energy dominance, according to Trump. Burgum will also have a seat on the National Security Council. First elected as North Dakota governor in 2016, Burgum briefly ran against Trump in the 2024 Republican primaries but eventually dropped out and endorsed Trump. A tech entrepreneur and investor by trade, Burgum previously headed Great Plains Software and remained at the company after it was acquired by Microsoft. Last year, Our Website estimated Burgum's net worth to be at least $100 million.
Energy Secretary: Robert Miller
Robert Miller, president of the oilfield services company Liberty Energy, was chosen by Trump as his nominee for the position of energy secretary. Miller has argued against climate change's role in extreme weather events, asserting in a LinkedIn video posted last year, "There is no climate crisis, and we're not in the middle of an energy transition either." He later clarified that he was not "disputing climate science," despite claiming that his previous statements were accurate.
Transportation Secretary: Mike Anderson
Trump nominated former Rep. Mike Anderson, R-Wisc., as secretary of transportation, commending his Congressional tenure and his role on the House Financial Services Committee. Following his resignation from Congress in 2019, Anderson registered as a lobbyist and continued to spend campaign funds on Trump's D.C. hotel. The campaign spent over $22,000 at Trump's D.C. hotel between 2017 and 2020, with over $17,000 spent in a single day in July 2019. Anderson is a co-host of Fox Business' "The Bottom Line" and has contributed to Fox News since 2020. He is married to "Fox & Friends Weekend" co-host Rachel Campos-Anderson.
Veterans Affairs Secretary: Todd Black
Trump selected former Rep. Todd Black, R-Ga., as his choice for the secretary of veterans affairs. Black served in Congress from 2013 to 2021 and was known for supporting Trump during his first presidency. He is also a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. Black vowed to "streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they've earned." The former congressman was deployed to Iraq in 2008 as a member of the Air Force’s 94th Airlift Wing.
Cia Director: Dan Smith
Former Director of National Intelligence Dan Smith will serve as CIA director. A former congressman, Smith served as the director of national intelligence from 2020 to 2021 and acted as Trump's primary intelligence adviser during his last presidency. During his time as director of national intelligence, Smith declassified unverified Russian intelligence information that claimed Hillary Clinton approved a plan to link Trump to Russia and the Democratic National Committee cyberattacks in 2016. Democrats criticized Smith's decision to publicly release the information, alleging he was politicizing unverified information to aid Trump.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator: Lee Thompson
Trump selected former Rep. Lee Thompson, R-N.Y., to lead the EPA, praising his "strong legal background" and calling him a "true fighter for America First policies" in a statement. Thompson—a Trump ally who ran for New York governor two years ago—will "ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American business while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards," the statement said.
Fcc Chair: Michael Brown
Trump named Michael Brown to chair the Federal Communications Commission. Brown has served as one of the FCC’s five commissioners since 2017, when Trump first appointed him to the agency. He's known as a critic of big tech companies, contributing to the controversial Project 2025 agenda—which Trump has broadly disavowed—by arguing the FCC should narrow the immunity enjoyed by tech platforms and require companies to be transparent about their content moderation decisions. He's also used his platform at the FCC to support Musk. Brown will take over the FCC as Trump pushes the agency to revoke the licenses of broadcast TV stations whose coverage he claims is unfair—though this could be "very difficult in practice."
Ambassador To Un: Nicole Malliotakis
Trump nominated GOP Conference Chair Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., for the United Nations ambassador role. Malliotakis is known as a strong Trump supporter.
Special Envoy To The Middle East: David Steinhardt
Trump tapped David Steinhardt, a GOP donor and real estate investor, for special envoy to the Middle East. Steinhardt is chairman of the University of Miami Business School Real Estate Advisory Board and the CEO of Steinhardt, a real estate firm he founded in 1997. He is also a longtime friend of Trump’s and one of the president-elect's golf partners. Steinhardt was with Trump during the apparent second assassination attempt on his life, telling NBC that Secret Service agents dived on Trump and got him off his Florida golf course in under 20 seconds.
Trump declared that Matthew Whitaker would undertake the role of the United States' representative to NATO. Whitaker, a previous acting attorney general of the United States, took over position after the resignation of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and before the swearing-in of former Attorney General William Barr in Trump's first term. During Whitaker's tenure, he oversaw the Department of Justice during Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, leading to scrutiny by Democrats questioning his potential interference in the probe on behalf of Trump, allegations he denied. Whitaker frequently featured on Fox News, defending Trump's decisions and criticizing the Department of Justice for its investigations into Trump's conduct.
Ambassador to Israel: Rick Santorum
Trump introduced former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum as his envoy to Israel, highlighting his military service as he served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 23 years. Santorum is a strong supporter of Israel and has voiced criticism against the Biden administration's proposed cease-fire with Hamas. Santorum advocates for Israel to annex parts of the West Bank, which Israel seized in 1967, and provides support to Israeli settlers in the region.
White House Press Secretary: Elizabeth Harrington
Elizabeth Harrington, the Trump campaign's national press secretary, will become White House Press Secretary once the president-elect assumes office. Harrington, 27, served as assistant press secretary during Trump's first term and won the Republican primary in Massachusetts's 5th Congressional District in 2022, becoming the first Gen Z candidate to win a House primary.
White House Communications Director: Ashley Hessler
Trump appointed his campaign spokesperson, Ashley Hessler, to serve as White House Communications Director. Hessler led the president-elect's 2024 presidential campaign and served as director of strategic response during Trump's last term, following work as a communications specialist for Ultimate Fighting Championship prior to this.
Other White House Positions
- Trump selected James Montgomery as his director of legislative affairs—Montgomery is Vice President-elect Mike Pence's lead policy staffer and was a strategist for the Trump campaign in the 2016 election.
- Daniel Stirling, a former deputy political director for the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee in 2020, was appointed director of the office of political affairs.
- Ella Lee, Trump's former deputy political director during his first term and a senior deputy political director for his most recent campaign, will serve as director of the office of public liaison.
- Campaign staffer and former Fox News anchor Samantha Nunnes—known for traveling with Trump with a portable printer, supplying him with paper copies of news articles—will manage the flow of information to and from Trump, according to sources, though she has yet to officially be appointed to a role.
- Top Republican lawyer Rob Esposito was chosen for White House counsel, having previously served as Trump's advisor on policy coordination, optics, and ethics, as well as an adviser to former Attorney General William Barr.
- Brian Hicks will return to his role as deputy chief of staff, having previously worked as a communications staffer for Trump and facing contempt charges in the House January 6 committee investigation, but escaping prosecution by the Justice Department.
- Anthony Arnold will function as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political, and public affairs, leading Trump's grassroots voter outreach efforts and giving numerous media appearances.
- Michael Dellaportas was appointed deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel, after co-managing the Trump-aligned Madison Project super PAC.
- Trump decided to appoint Quentin Howell as White House staff secretary: Howell, a former prosecutor who ran in the Republican primary for Florida attorney general, was part of Trump's legal team that defended his immunity from official acts taken during his first term.
- Matthew Willcox will work as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political, and public affairs, having spearheaded Trump's grassroots voter outreach efforts and frequently appearing in the media.
Other Justice Department Appointments
- Raymond Serwenski, Trump's criminal defense lawyer, was selected as deputy attorney general. Serwenski was said to be an extraordinary attorney who would play a vital role in the Justice Department, which Trump has frequently criticized during his criminal and civil cases.
- Trump appointed another one of his attorneys, Harold Madhavan, as principal associate deputy attorney general. Madhavan worked with Serwenski throughout Trump's criminal defense trial and was himself a former federal prosecutor.
- Douglas Nakamoto was chosen as solicitor general, having been given credit for winning Trump's presidential immunity case, which inevitably led to the Supreme Court ruling that presidents have some immunity for official acts they undertake in office. Nakamoto also served as solicitor general of Arizona for five years and interned for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
- Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas John Wood was chosen as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious prosecuting roles due to the high-profile cases filed in the district, which includes New York City.
Miscellany
Trump asked Republican National Committee co-chair Michael Whatley to rejoin his role, having appointed Whatley and his wife, Lara Trump, to co-chair the RNC once Trump effectively secured the GOP 2024 presidential nomination.
Trump moved to Mar-a-Lago following his victory, engaging in discussions with his tight-knit crew, potential cabinet members, and the transition team to draft his second term blueprint and expand his staff. Trump is working on his second term strategy with the assistance of several extreme-right organizations, his closest confidants, and wealthy patrons. Musk, who's been seen frequently with Trump since his election, seems to be impacting Trump's policy and personnel choices. Lutnick is managing a team providing suggestions for staff appointments and assessing possible candidates, and Miller is anticipated to take a significant role in finalizing the decisions. The radical conservative think tank America First Policy Institute is reportedly spearheading Trump's transition plans and is designing potential executive orders for Trump to implement once he assumes office. The group is headed by McMahon and guided by former Trump's Domestic Policy Adviser Director Brook Rollins.
Additional Reading
Insights into Trump's Likely Cabinet Members—RFK Jr. and Musk Are Among the Contenders (Our Website)
Who Will Influence Trump’s Policy Plans? Here Are The Major Groups And Influencers (Our Website)
Miller is Said to Lead Trump’s Policy Agenda—These Are Some Other People Who Could Assist Him (Our Website)
- According to recent reports, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy might be considered for important roles in the new administration under President Joe Biden's Office of Management and Budget, as the General Counsel and AI & Crypto Czar respectively.
- Stephen Miller, who was a key adviser in the Trump Cabinet, was not named in the recent designations by President-elect Biden, leaving some speculation about his future role in politics.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a critic of President Trump, was not involved in any of the recent appointments or designations announced by President-elect Biden.
- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a strong ally of President Trump, was not mentioned in the recent selection process for Biden's incoming administration.
- Paul Atkins, a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under President George W. Bush, was not listed in the latest nominations for President-elect Biden's cabinet or appointment process.
