Trump Cabinet 2.0: Full List of Influential Appointments, including Musk and Ramaswamy


4. Peter Heggs – Secretary of Defense

Background: Pete Hegseth is a veteran political commentator with a background in military service and conservative media. He has been an outspoken advocate for military reform and supported Trump’s defense policies.

Where he stands: Donald Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth to be secretary of defense, Fox News reports. Although the position requires Senate confirmation, as defense secretary, Heggs will oversee the Department of Defense, manage military operations and advise on national security strategy. His appointment underscores Trump’s commitment to strengthening the military and countering global threats.

5. Susie Wiles – Chief of Staff

Background: Susie Wiles is a renowned political strategist with extensive experience in Florida politics. She played a critical role in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign as co-chair and worked on his previous campaigns, contributing to his electoral success in 2016 and 2020.

Position: As chief of staff, Wiles will be the first woman to hold this position in U.S. history. Her duties include overseeing White House operations and advising Trump on policy matters, although that does not require Senate confirmation.

6. Marco Rubio – Secretary of State

Background: Marco Rubio is a U.S. Senator from Florida and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. He is known for his tough foreign policy stances and has been outspoken on issues such as immigration and national security.

Position: If confirmed as secretary of state, Rubio would manage U.S. foreign relations and diplomatic initiatives. His appointment marks a significant moment as he will be the first Latino to hold the position in the United States, embodying Trump’s commitment to an “America First” foreign policy.

7. Tom Homan – Border Czar

Background: Tom Homan is the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was recognized for his strong enforcement policies during his tenure, particularly regarding illegal immigration.

Position: As border czar, Homan will oversee all aspects of border security and immigration enforcement, including deportations. This position does not require Senate confirmation.

8. Elise Stefanik – Ambassador to the United Nations

Background: Elise Stefanik is a Republican congresswoman from New York who has been a staunch supporter of Trump throughout his presidency. She rose to prominence for her defense of Trump during impeachment proceedings and for her staunch stance on foreign policy.

Position: As United Nations Ambassador, Stefanik will represent U.S. interests at the United Nations, focusing on issues such as international security and human rights. Given her partisanship, she is expected to be confirmed by the Senate.

9. Stephen Miller – deputy chief of staff for policy

Background: Stephen Miller previously served as a senior adviser to Trump and played a major role in shaping immigration policy, including controversial measures such as family separation at the border.

Position: In his new role as deputy chief of staff for policy, Miller will focus on executing Trump’s policy agenda, particularly around immigration reform and execution strategy. This position does not require Senate confirmation.

10. Kristi Noem – Secretary of Homeland Security

Background: Kristi Noem is the governor of South Dakota, where she gained national recognition for her tough stance on border security and opposition to COVID-19 restrictions.

Position: As Homeland Security secretary, Noem will oversee federal efforts related to immigration enforcement and national security, reflecting Trump’s continued focus on border issues.

11. Mike Walz – National Security Advisor

Background: Mike Walz is a Republican congressman from Florida and a colonel in the National Guard. He has been outspoken about national security threats, particularly regarding China’s activities.

Position: Appointed as national security adviser, Walz will advise Trump on defense strategy and national security policy. This role does not require Senate confirmation.

12. Lee Zeldin – EPA Administrator

Background: Lee Zeldin is a former Republican congressman from New York who has been active on environmental issues during his time in office.

Position: As Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Zeldin will focus on deregulation while maintaining environmental standards aimed at supporting American businesses while ensuring clean air and water.

13. Elon Musk – Head of Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE)

Background: Elon Musk is a billionaire entrepreneur known for founding and leading companies such as Tesla and SpaceX.

He has been a prominent figure in technology and innovation, championing major changes in areas ranging from transportation to energy to space exploration.

Musk has also been recognized for his active presence on social media and influence on the cryptocurrency market, particularly Dogecoin.

Position: Musk has been appointed to lead the newly created Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE) in the new Trump administration.

The initiative aims to reduce bureaucracy, cut wasteful spending and reorganize federal agencies. Although DOGE is not a formal government department requiring congressional approval, Musk will work closely with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to implement large-scale structural changes.

Trump has an ambitious vision for the department, likening it to a “Manhattan Project” for government reform, with a target completion date of July 4, 2026.

14. Vivek Ramaswamy – Partner, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Background: Vivek Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepreneur and author who gained national attention during his run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

Known for his strong conservative views and advocacy for deep cuts in the size and spending of government, Ramaswamy has positioned himself as an outspoken critic of what he calls a “woke” culture in politics and business.

Position: Ramaswamy will work with Musk at the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE). His responsibilities include advising on reducing government bureaucracy and implementing reforms designed to make federal agencies more efficient.

Ramaswamy expressed his commitment to push for major changes in government structures, stressing the need for an entrepreneurial approach to governance. He recently announced that he would not seek Ohio’s Senate seat but would instead focus on that move alongside Musk.

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