With Republicans taking control of the Senate, President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees are likely to face an easy path to confirmation. Some of the possible people Trump is considering or has chosen for critical Cabinet posts include Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff. Wiles, an experienced political operative based in Florida, was announced as Trump’s chief of staff, making her the first woman in U.S. history to fill the role.
Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee is under consideration for Secretary of State, along with other candidates. Hagerty was the U.S. ambassador to Japan under Trump from 2017 to 2019. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is also being considered for Secretary of Defense. Pompeo has extensive experience in the Trump administration, having served as both Secretary of State and CIA Director.
Scott Bessent, the founder of a Connecticut-based hedge fund, Key Square Group, is a leading contender for Treasury secretary, along with former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Linda McMahon, former small business administrator in Trump’s first term, is a top contender for Commerce Secretary. Former U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe, the former Director of National Intelligence, is being considered for CIA director, and Tom Homan and Chad Wolf are top contenders for DHS secretary.
Some Trump allies are floating Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next head of the Department of Health and Human Services, although a role is still unclear. Trump’s family members, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who worked in the White House during his first term, have taken a step back from involvement in his political work. The confirmation process for Trump’s Cabinet nominees will likely be smooth with Republicans in control of the Senate.
