Donald Trump is set to return to the White House with a mix of longtime friends, aides, and new allies by his side as he prepares to occupy the Oval Office once again. While key figures in his administration have yet to be named, a group of associates have been by his side on the campaign trail and joined him on stage as he declared victory. Among these key figures is Susie Wiles, who has been named as Trump’s new chief of staff. Wiles, a Florida-based Republican strategist, played a pivotal role in Trump’s campaign, running a disciplined and ultimately successful operation.
Another key figure in Trump’s orbit is Lara Trump, who is married to his middle son, Eric. Lara has been a prominent campaigner for her father-in-law and served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. She has been focused on fundraising, outreach to voters, and the party’s “election integrity” initiative. In addition to her political role, Lara has explored a side venture as a singer, releasing songs that sometimes feature political imagery.
Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is another longtime friend of Trump who has been a visible presence during the campaign. White has appeared at UFC matches with Trump and spoken at Republican conventions. Linda McMahon, the co-chair of Trump’s transition team, is also a longtime friend who previously led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. McMahon has been a key figure in strategizing for another Trump term.
Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, is another key player in Trump’s transition team, helping to assemble the team for the next administration. Lutnick has donated to both Democrats and Republicans in the past and has become part of Trump’s inner circle. Boris Epshteyn, a lawyer coordinating with Trump’s legal teams, has faced legal challenges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election result. Stephen Miller, a senior adviser in Trump’s first term, has played a central role in crafting Trump’s immigration policies and continues to be involved in conservative legal challenges.
Richard Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence, has remained a key foreign policy adviser and is expected to be considered for secretary of state. Elon Musk, the billionaire head of Tesla and SpaceX, has emerged as a powerful figure in Trump’s orbit, endorsing him and significantly backing his campaign financially. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, surprised many by endorsing Trump and seeking to influence health policy in a potential Trump administration. Brooke Rollins, Trump’s former domestic policy chief, is also considered a potential hire in the incoming administration.
