As former President Donald Trump prepares for his second term in office, speculation has been growing about who will fill top positions in his Cabinet. Trump’s first administration was marred by internal conflict and the distancing of some key officials, but with a clear focus on loyalty this time, he’s expected to surround himself with allies who align closely with his “America First” agenda.
Among the top contenders for White House Chief of Staff are Brooke Rollins, former adviser and current head of the America First Policy Institute. Rollins, who served as the Domestic Policy Council director during Trump’s first term, is highly trusted by the president and played a key role in advancing criminal justice reform initiatives.
Another possible pick is former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, who has maintained consistent communication with Trump despite a sometimes rocky relationship. McCarthy’s legislative experience and Capitol Hill ties make him an asset for advancing Trump’s policies in Congress. Campaign manager Susie Wiles, who organized Trump’s successful election efforts, is also considered a strong contender, although sources suggest she may not be interested in the position.
Ric Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, is a top pick for Secretary of State. Known for his strong stance on NATO and defense spending, Grenell’s relationships within Trump’s inner circle make him a likely candidate for the position. Another possible contender is US Senator Bill Hagerty, who served as the ambassador to Japan and has earned Trump’s favor due to his strong views on China. Robert O’Brien, former National Security Adviser, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio are also in the mix, though Rubio’s support for NATO and Ukraine might work against him.
Mike Pompeo, former CIA Director and Secretary of State, is a key Trump ally and could return to a senior national security role, potentially as Secretary of Defense. Another possibility is Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, who has consistently supported Trump’s military and defense policies. Mike Waltz, a former Army Green Beret and US congressman, also aligns with Trump’s foreign policy and could be tapped for the role.
Utah Senator Mike Lee, known for his legal expertise and unwavering support for Trump, is a leading candidate for Attorney General. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has earned Trump’s praise for his conservative legal stances, is also in contention, along with Federal Judge Aileen Cannon, who has been a strong ally in Trump’s legal battles.
Trump’s former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is a key candidate for Treasury Secretary, given his support for tariffs and tough trade policies. Larry Kudlow, a former economic adviser to Trump, could also take on the role, while hedge fund manager John Paulson, a major Trump donor, has been discussed as a potential pick. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has been considered but is not fully committed to the role.
Several candidates are in the running for the key role of Homeland Security Secretary, including Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who is known for his hardline stance on immigration. Chad Wolf, Trump’s former acting Homeland Security Secretary, and Mark Green, an immigration hardliner, are also strong possibilities.
Trump has also tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of COVID-19 vaccines, to oversee health policy. Kennedy, who initially ran as an independent presidential candidate, has expressed interest in reforming US health agencies and could play a key role in Trump’s health agenda.
Kash Patel, a former national security official and Trump loyalist, is being considered for an intelligence role, such as Director of National Intelligence or CIA Director. Patel’s close ties to Trump could bolster his candidacy, though Senate confirmation may prove challenging.
As Trump’s second term nears, he is looking to build a Cabinet that fully supports his America-First vision. The president has acknowledged the lessons learned from his first term, particularly in choosing officials who were less aligned with his agenda. This time, he is focused on surrounding himself with trusted allies who share his policy priorities and values.
With the new administration set to begin on January 20, 2025, Trump’s Cabinet selections will be closely scrutinized. The individuals he appoints are expected to play critical roles in advancing his agenda, both domestically and internationally.
