As Donald Trump assumes the presidency, he has started assembling his administration, signaling key policy priorities, including foreign affairs and immigration reform, amidst heightened anticipation for his approach.
To date, President Trump has brought on board a diverse range of immigration advisors, including Tom Homan, the former Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whom he appointed as “border czar” – individuals who champion robust, restrictive measures to address immigration issues. On the overseas coverage front, President Trump is likely to tap a cluster of lawmakers, including Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican, was chosen by the administration to fill the role of United Nations ambassador, succeeding Nikki Haley. Her nomination sparked controversy due to her previous record of strongly advocating for Israel’s interests and holding an assertive stance on national security matters.
Trump’s appointees share a common trait: they are long-time devotees who may exhibit significantly less resistance to his policy initiatives compared to staff members during his initial presidency.
During his presidential campaign, Trump outlined a broad range of policy priorities, including promises to increase military spending, reduce taxes, and cut regulations. Will likely require the same level of dedication from his secretaries and employees to implement these strategies, a fact underscored by his consistent track record in pursuing numerous goals.
During his initial presidency, numerous members of Trump’s cabinet played crucial roles in transforming key departments, including Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, both instrumental in their respective areas. Trump has hinted at seeking re-election and expressed a desire to ensure his legacy.
Below is a summary of the individuals Trump has named, along with their potential roles.
A former congressional representative from Florida with a distinguished military background, having served in Afghanistan. He covered foreign affairs under President George W. Bush. As a seasoned politician, he has served on the House Committees on Armed Services, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs, showcasing his expertise in these critical areas.
As a prominent figure on Capitol Hill, Representative Michael Waltz has garnered recognition for his uncompromising views on China and Iran, as well as his outspoken criticism of President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan.
The National Security Adviser serves as a critical foreign policy advisor to the President, historically providing counsel on both military and diplomatic matters. The President does not need to obtain Senate confirmation for this position.
Trump has been at odds with predecessors, including John Bolton, who publicly claimed
Trump’s selection of Waltz as his representative on foreign policy matters marks another instance of his predilection for appointing individuals with a hardline stance on international affairs. The Republican Party’s hawkish wing, which advocates for proactive international engagement, may gain significant influence in a potential second Trump administration, potentially shaping foreign policy decisions.
As her New York congressional district’s demographics evolved, Stefanik transformed into a vocal Trump ally, solidifying her connection with Republican leadership.
As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I grilled witnesses as part of Trump’s first impeachment proceedings unfolding in the House chamber during 2019. Recently, she gained widespread attention after challenging the responses of school presidents to student protests concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza.
As a prominent House Republican, Elise Stefanik has consistently amplified Donald Trump’s claims of election fraud in 2020, often standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the then-president-elect. Stefanik has earned recognition for holding seats in Congress effectively.
Stefanik has adopted a traditionally conservative approach to foreign policy, exhibiting strong support for Israel while expressing reservations about continuing aid to Ukraine. While she initially supported Ukraine’s early stages, she later joined fellow Republicans in advocating for a more targeted approach, suggesting that additional aid could be better utilized within the United States? Representative Stefanik had previously expressed reservations about backing the United Nations’ efforts, specifically those of its Relief and Works Agency, a crucial organization providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“Elise is a stalwart advocate for American interests, known for her unwavering commitment to America First policies.”
As a key diplomatic representative, the US Ambassador to the United Nations plays a pivotal role in advancing American interests; in light of significant financial support provided to the organization and the Security Council’s critical decision-making function, the ambassador wields considerable influence over resource allocation and leadership appointments within the UN.
In the past year, United Nations officials have increasingly criticized Israel’s military assaults on Gaza, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths, targeted attacks on healthcare infrastructure, and devastating humanitarian crises including widespread famine. As ambassador, Stefanik would likely vehemently criticise such positions, advocating vociferously against the defunding of UN aid packages.
This function requires Senate affirmation.
Will the Trump administration potentially escalate its disputes with the United Nations, as it did during Trump’s initial tenure? The administration unexpectedly withdrew from its participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council.
By naming Stefanik, President Zelenskyy may also signal additional support to Ukraine.
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Homan served as Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the entirety of President Donald Trump’s first term, from January 2017 to June 2018, overseeing the execution of the controversial family separation policy throughout her tenure. He’s also been open-minded in his assessment, previously suggesting that should he be asked to join the administration, he would likely be willing to “bring a unique perspective” to the role.
Homan worked extensively with ICE during the previous presidency of Barack Obama, utilizing his skills effectively; he also holds experience as a law enforcement officer and U.S. Border Patrol agent. As a stalwart ally of Trump’s, he has consistently aligned himself with the President in his efforts to implement restrictive immigration measures, earning the moniker.
“Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, not Homan, is responsible for the deportation of unlawful aliens back to their nation of origin. Additionally, as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen border control, President Trump emphasized that he has placed a high priority on policing and securing the US-Mexico border.”
While there isn’t a formally designated “border czar,” the Secretary of Homeland Security remains the primary Cabinet official responsible for ensuring our nation’s borders are secure and effective. Despite the absence of a specific role, Ken Cuccinelli appears primed to exert considerable influence over border policies, with the authority to review and potentially block initiatives along both the northern and southern borders, much like his predecessor Stephen Miller.
During Homan’s tenure in the first Trump administration, his unwavering commitment to executing massive deportations underscores the president-elect’s unrelenting focus on fulfilling his campaign pledge to.
Zeldin, a former Republican Assembly member, suffered a defeat in his bid to become New York’s governor in 2022 after launching a failed gubernatorial campaign.
Prior to his appointment as chair of the House Committee on Environmental Coverage, Zeldin had not previously served on any committees focused on environmental issues. Within a remarkably narrow margin, Republican candidate Donald Trump won the governorship from incumbent Democratic Governor in just 12 short months. As Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, operated in a traditionally Republican stronghold.
Zeldin has asserted that some of his priorities include establishing “roll again” regulations, which would allegedly compel businesses to adapt, and focusing on U.S. “power dominance.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for developing policies that safeguard clean air and water, and plays a crucial role in promulgating regulations to combat climate change. The administrator’s position requires Senate confirmation.
Trump pledged to adopt a distinctly distinct approach to environmental matters, focusing primarily on reducing regulations and boosting domestic energy production. Zeldin’s nomination implies a potential precedent for such guarantees, particularly in regards to capping carbon emissions for corporations.
Steve King, an Iowa congressman and chairman of the House Subcommittee on Immigration, was a driving force behind some of the toughest immigration measures during the Trump administration’s early years. A prominent immigration hardliner, he has consistently pushed for a travel ban and even more drastic measures, such as separating households at times. Moreover, he serves as one of the key proponents behind President Trump’s plans to expel large numbers of undocumented immigrants from the country.
They begin their endeavors promptly on Inauguration Day, with little delay following his solemn oath-taking.
Although Trump has not yet formally introduced his appointment, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has done so already.
The position is another political appointment not requiring Senate confirmation, but its role is poised to concentrate heavily on providing Trump with policy guidance – potentially focused on immigration, considering Miller’s expertise in this area.
Trump has hinted that between this appointment and Homan’s, his could be among the most prominent targets of his renewed media scrutiny when he regains control.
Serving as a key figure in both Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign in Florida and his 2024 re-election efforts nationwide, Wiles held the dual roles of campaign operative and senior national advisor. She is widely credited with propelling his success during the grueling Republican primary campaign in 2024, having previously provided crucial support to Florida Governor. Ron DeSantis’s gubernatorial run in 2018 was marked by several significant events prior to his victory.
Wiles has also collaborated with a diverse range of Republicans, including former Utah Senator Orrin Hatch. Mitt Romney and Florida Sen. Rick Scott.
“Susie stands out for her exceptional qualities: she’s a paragon of goodness, a trailblazer in her field, and a widely respected figure.”
The Chief of Staff is a highly effective gatekeeper, playing a crucial role in shaping the President’s priorities while offering sage counsel to ensure informed decision-making. While the White House Chief of Staff is a highly respected position, it isn’t typically subject to Senate confirmation?
Notably, this individual has been a vocal and consistent critic of Trump, labeling him as a “fascist” who relies on a “dictatorial approach.”
With expertise, Trump’s marketing campaign operations were refined, and a significant measure of the turmoil that has characterized his earlier efforts was brought under control. His marketing campaign eerily echoed those of authoritarian regimes and was punctuated by a plethora of falsehoods. Throughout Kelly’s first term, he faced internal strife and policy turmoil on a wide range of issues, from climate change to immigration.
The two-term South Dakota governor is a longtime Trump loyalist who has been closely aligned with him since. Prior to Donald Trump’s vice presidential selection, Kristi Noem found herself embroiled in controversy following a decision that garnered widespread criticism and intense scrutiny.
As South Dakota’s governor, Kristi Noem was widely praised for her decision to resist federal overreach, refusing to comply with COVID-19 restrictions and mandates that might infringe on personal freedoms, even in the face of mounting public health concerns. Noem stated that her reluctance to visit tribal lands in South Dakota stemmed from allegations that they had been compromised by organized crime groups, specifically cartels.
Governor Noem has consistently mirrored President Trump’s stance on immigration, advocating for a tough approach and supporting the travel ban targeting countries with predominantly Muslim populations.
As the chief administrative officer for the Division of Homeland Security (DHS), this position carries significant importance, particularly in light of the agency’s prominent role in shaping the administration’s policies regarding the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) comprises crucial subordinate agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Secretary position necessitates confirmation by the Senate to assume office.
Nominee Noem is among several picks that support President Trump’s stance on punitive immigration policies, including mass deportation and aggressive border security measures.
Rubio has completed three terms as Florida’s senior senator, earning recognition for his staunch opposition to China, Iran, and Cuba, alongside his commitment to. Serving on the Senate Intelligence and International Relations Committees, he now finds himself in alignment with President Trump’s isolationist stance on international affairs; however, his historical record reveals a support for global alliances and interventionist strategies.
Senator Rubio has vocally endorsed Israel’s interests, stressing that he will not support a ceasefire until Hamas is decisively defeated. While he has consistently supported Ukrainian efforts thus far, he has also expressed reservations about more recent aid packages and has called for an end to the conflict.
Marco Rubio’s stance on certain issues, including immigration, has undergone a notable evolution. Initially, he championed comprehensive immigration reform in the Senate, advocating for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants; however, his rhetoric has become increasingly hawkish and reminiscent of Donald Trump’s over time.
This establishment is undoubtedly a pivotal force within the government, playing a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and global relations. The Secretary of State serves as the chief diplomatic representative of the United States, fostering relationships with various foreign governments while offering strategic guidance on navigating complex international dynamics. Secretaries of State are often dispatched to help facilitate peace talks and mediate conflicts in addition to their typical duties. The function requires Senate affirmation.
Like Waltz’s theory, Rubio’s selection implies that Trump might also be receptive to an additional historically conservative and hawkish approach to foreign policy.
