Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a potential candidate to lead the Department of Health and Human Services … [+] in the upcoming administration. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff marks a historic first and sets the tone for his incoming administration. Wiles, who served as Trump’s presidential campaign co-chair, will be the first woman to hold this crucial position, signaling a shift in the makeup of Trump’s inner circle as he prepares to return to the Oval Office in January.
Trump praised Susie Wiles as an “integral part” of his presidential campaigns, stating in a campaign email that the veteran political strategist “just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history.”
Additionally, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has agreed to serve as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, the New York Post reported.
“I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter,” he told the publication on Sunday night.
Stefanik’s appointment must receive approval from the U.S. Senate.
The president-elect also announced that Tom Homan, who previously served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will take on the role of “Border Czar” in his upcoming administration. Trump praised Homan as a strong advocate for border control and stated that his responsibilities would include overseeing the deportation of undocumented immigrants to their countries of origin.
Homan’s appointment reinforces Trump’s commitment to implementing strict immigration policies.
As the president-elect assembles his new administration, early indications suggest a blend of familiar faces from his previous term and fresh talent aligned with his “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Potential Key Players
Trump supporters are swiftly maneuvering to secure key roles in the upcoming administration. Here are high-profiled names being floated for top government positions.
Elon Musk
Although Trump stated that tech billionaire Elon Musk “doesn’t want to be in the Cabinet,” the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has expressed a willingness to serve without compensation, title or recognition, signaling a potentially influential but unofficial role in a future Trump administration.
“He just wants to be in charge of cost-cutting,” the president-elect told Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo last month about Musk’s interest in government efficiency.
“We’ll have a new position: Secretary of Cost-Cutting. Elon wants to do that, and we have incredible people. He’s running a big business. He can’t just say, ‘I think I’ll go into the Cabinet.’ Other people can. He can’t, but Elon’s a little bit different in that sense,” Trump continued.
In a recent interview on the Joe Rogan Experience, Musk outlined his vision for government reform. He expressed a desire to significantly reduce the size of federal agencies, ensure they adhere strictly to Congressional authorizations and eliminate excessive regulations.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a potential candidate to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in the upcoming administration. Kennedy has asserted that Trump has promised him oversight of major public health agencies, including the HHS and its subsidiaries: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, according to NBC News. Kennedy also claims he will be appointed to the Department of Agriculture, which he views as crucial for improving America’s health.
A report by the Washington Post suggests Trump may create a “Health Czar” position for him, potentially bypassing the Senate confirmation process required for leading government agencies.
While Kennedy is being considered, other potential candidates have also been suggested. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has put forward his state’s surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, as a possible nominee. Other contenders include former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Eric Hargan, who previously served as deputy HHS secretary.
Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio, the Republican senator from Florida, has indicated his willingness to take on any role in Trump’s administration, if needed. Although, he has not yet had direct discussions with the president-elect about a specific position.
“I’m in public service. I’m not trying to play quiet,” stated Rubio in an NBC Today appearance last week. “I’m in public service. I like to serve our country.”
Other Names Being Floated
According to reports, several individuals are being considered for key positions in Trump’s administration:
For Secretary of State, the list of potential candidates includes:
- Representative Mike Waltz from Florida
- Robert O’Brien, who previously served as national security adviser
- Ric Grenell, former U.S. ambassador to Germany
- Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee
For the role of Attorney General, the following names have been mentioned:
- Federal Judge Aileen Cannon, who made headlines by dismissing Trump’s classified documents case in July
- Jay Clayton, who previously chaired the Securities and Exchange Commission
- Mike Davis, a former Senate aide and Republican attorney
- Mark Paoletta, who served as a White House lawyer
Being A Government Official
While top government positions often come with salaries that pale in comparison to those in the private sector, they remain highly coveted. These roles are widely regarded as the pinnacle of public service, offering Americans the opportunity to directly shape national policy and influence the course of the U.S.
The prestige and power associated with cabinet-level positions and other high-ranking government jobs attract accomplished professionals who seek to make a lasting impact on a national scale. Moreover, these positions provide unparalleled access to decision-making processes, global leaders and resources that can be leveraged to effect significant change.
