Full list of Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and White House appointments

With Inauguration Day around the corner, President-elect Donald Trump has already named many of his loyalists to Cabinet and administration positions for his second term.

Some of his picks have drawn controversy. Among them was his choice of military veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who does not have government experience. Some GOP members were shocked when Trump nominated former Florida Rep Matt Gaetz for attorney general – though he withdrew amid sex trafficking allegations and has been replaced by former Florida Attorney General Pat Bondi. Trump also turned heads by picking former Democrat and anti-vaccine activist Robert F Kennedy Jr to be Health and Human Services secretary.

Outside of Cabinet positions requiring Senate approval, Trump has broken from tradition with some West Wing appointments. Namely, he announced a new Department of Government Efficiency with X owner Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in charge.

Still, some spots remain unfilled. As Trump’s return to the White House on January 20 draws closer, who will carry out his agenda and how are beginning to shape up. See the list of Trump’s appointees so far below.

State secretary: Marco Rubio

Florida Senator Marco Rubio put Trump’s past ‘Little Marco’ insults aside and campaigned for him, ultimately earning him the nomination for arguably the most coveted Cabinet position. A senator since 2010, Rubio serves at the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee and has been tough toward China, Cuba, Iran and Venezuela.

Attorney general: Pam Bondi

After Gaetz withdrew last week, Trump quickly turned to longtime confidant Pam Bondi for the attorney general role.

‘Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on violent criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families,’ wrote Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. 

‘Then, as Florida’s first female attorney general, she worked to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs, and reduce the tragedy of fentanyl overdose deaths, which have destroyed many families across our country.’

Defense secretary: Pete Hegseth

Hegseth joined Fox News after deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and winning two Bronze Stars. Critics have pointed to his many tattoos, and allege that some of them are white supremacist symbols. Despite the backlash, the Republican Party has largely backed Trump’s pick.

‘Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First,’ stated Trump.

‘With Pete at the helm, America´s enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.’

National intelligence director: Tulsi Gabbard

Former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard previously served as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army and in the Hawaii House of Representatives. She left the Democratic Party and recently announced she joined the GOP and rallied for Trump. Gabbard has criticized ‘weaponization’ of the intelligence community and put blame on the Biden administration.

Health and human services secretary: Robert F Kennedy Jr

Kennedy, former US president John F Kennedy’s nephew, ended his Democratic bid for president then ran as an independent, but suspended that campaign and threw his support to Trump. During his campaign, strange bits from Kennedy’s past emerged, including him admitting that he has a worm in his brain and that he dumped a bear cub carcass in a New York City park. Kennedy has vowed to make America healthy again.

Medicare and Medicaid administrator: Mehmet Oz

Former Senate candidate and TV personality Dr Mehmet Oz had an award-winning syndicated talk show in which he gave health, medicine and wellness advice. He is set to work closely with Kennedy to tackle the ‘industrial illness complex’, Trump said.

‘He will also cut waste and fraud within our Country’s most expensive Government Agency, which is a third of our Nation’s Healthcare spend, and a quarter of our entire National Budget,’ stated Trump.

CIA director: John Ratcliffe

Trump has chosen his former Director of National Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

‘From exposing fake Russian collusion to be a Clinton campaign operation, to catching the FBI ’s abuse of Civil Liberties at the FISA Court, John Ratcliffe has always been a warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American Public,’ stated Trump.

‘When 51 intelligence officials were lying about Hunter Biden ’s laptop, there was one, John Ratcliffe, telling the truth to the American People.’

Secretary of Homeland Security: Kristi Noem

South Dakota Governor Kristin Noem has long been loyal to Trump but was unable to pursue the vice presidential running mate position after admitting to shooting her puppy. Trump brushed that controversial detail aside by saying that Noem was having ‘a bad week’.

‘I think she’s terrific,’ stated Trump in May.

‘A couple of rough stories, there’s not question about it. And when explained – the dog story – people hear that and people from different parts of the country probably feel a bit differently, but that’s a tough story.’

Environmental Protection Agency administrator: Lee Zeldin

Former Congressman Lee Zeldin challenged New York Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022 and lost only narrowly in the Democratic stronghold state. Zeldin has vowed to ‘restore American energy dominance’.

‘We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,’ said Zeldin.

Secretary of Labor: Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Oregon Rep Lori Chavez-DeRemer is set to oversee the Department of Labor’s workforce and budget and manage employer’s rights and workers’ wages. Trump said she has promised to work ‘tirelessly’ to support American workers and build America’s workforce.

‘I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand training and apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs,’ stated Trump.

Interior secretary: Doug Burgum

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is a former software company executive and billionaire who was considered for vice president. Burgum ran against Trump but then became a supporter and helped him fundraise. He has cast himself as a traditional conservative focused on business. Burgum will serve also as ‘Chairman of the newly formed, and very important, National Energy Council’, announced Trump.

Transportation secretary: Sean Duffy

A former reality TV personality, Sean Duffy ran and was elected to represent Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district. He retired from Congress in 2019 and joined Fox News as a contributor in 2020, then started hosting The Bottom Line on Fox Business last year.

Treasury secretary: Scott Bessent

Hedge fund investor and founder and Key Square Group CEO Scott Bessent is Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. Bessent has called for lowering taxes and loosening government regulations. He has been nominated for the role after serving as a key economic policy adviser and fundraising for Trump’s 2024 campaign.

Agriculture secretary: Brooke Rollins

America First Policy Institute President and CEO Brooke Rollins is set to head up the US Department of Agriculture and its 100,000 employees. Trump has given her a mandate to protect American farmers.

‘Brooke’s commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns is second to none,’ stated Trump.

‘As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American Farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country.’

Energy secretary: Chris Wright

As CEO of Liberty Energy, a Denver-based oilfield services company, Chris Wright has pushed back at climate change activists and said ‘there is no climate crisis’. He is likely to carry out Trump’s agenda to boost oil and gas production. He does not have prior government experience.

Food and Drug Administration commissioner: Martin Makary

A Johns Hopkins surgeon and author, Dr Martin Makary denounced coronavirus pandemic lockdowns and argued against mask mandates. He has called America’s health system ‘broken’.

Trump stated that Makary ‘will restore FDA to the gold standard of scientific research, and cut the bureaucratic red tape at the agency to make sure Americans get the medical cures and treatments they deserve’.

Education secretary: Linda McMahon

World Wrestling Entertainment co-founder Linda McMahon is serving as Trump’s transition co-chair. The president-elect said she will push for school choice.

‘As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand “Choice” to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,’ stated Trump.

Veterans affairs secretary: Doug Collins

Former Congressman Doug Collins staunchly defended Trump during his first impeachment proceedings. He is a chaplain in the US Air Force Reserve Command and as a Congressman represented the northern Georgia district for eight years.

‘We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need,’ stated Trump.

Commerce secretary: Howard Lutnick

Cantor Fitzgerald CEO and Chairman Howard Lutnick has been tapped to be secretary of commerce. He is also co-chair of Trump’s transition team. Lutnick has donated millions of dollars to Trump’s presidential runs and is among Trump’s rich advisers. He won the backing of Musk, who is increasingly influential within Trump’s circle.

NATO ambassador: Matthew Whitaker

Matthew Whitaker served as Trump’s acting attorney general and has been entrusted by him to ‘ensure’ that America’s interests are protected and advanced within NATO. Trump has called him a ‘strong warrior and loyal Patriot’. Whitaker does not have prior foreign policy experience.

Housing and urban development secretary: Scott Turner

A former professional football player, Scott Turner played his last season in the NFL in 2003-04. He went on to hold office in the Texas House of Representatives, for the 33rd District. He is a familiar face, as he served as the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council’s first executive director during Trump’s first term.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director: Dave Weldon

Former Florida Congressman Dr Dave Weldon did not have Trump’s support in the recent race for a state legislative seat and lost. However, Trump has tapped him to lead the CDC. As a lawmaker, he said that the preservative compound thimerosal in vaccines was causing autism, but some experts say that claim is false.

Office of Management and Budget director: Russell Vought

Russell Vought was a involved in the controversial Project 2025, which Trump sought to distance himself from during his campaign. He is set to work closely with Musk and Ramaswamy from the Department of Government Efficiency.

Vought ‘knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State and end Weaponized Government’, stated Trump.

Surgeon general: Janette Nesheiwat

Former Fox News contributor Dr Janette Nesheiwat is a medical doctor who practices in New York and New Jersey. She serves as CityMD’s medical director.

‘I am proud to announce that Dr Janette Nesheiwat will be the Nation’s Doctor as the United States Surgeon General,’ stated Trump.

‘Dr Nesheiwat is a double board-certified Medical Doctor with an unwavering commitment to saving and treating thousands of American lives.’

US solicitor general: John Sauer

St Louis-based lawyer John Sauer represented Trump before the US Supreme Court, which ruled in his favor in the presidential immunity case. Last year, he joined Trump’s legal team. He served as solicitor general of Missouri.

National Institutes of Health director: Jay Bhattacharya

Stanford physician and economist challenged President Joe Biden’s coronavirus lockdown policies. He is expected to work closely with Kennedy while serving as director of the National Institutes for Health.

‘Together, Jay and RFK Jr will restore the NIH to a Gold Standard of Medical Research as they examine the underlying causes of, and solutions to, America’s biggest Health challenges, including our Crisis of Chronic Illness and Disease,’ stated Trump.

‘Together, they will work hard to Make America Healthy Again!’

Navy secretary: John Phelan

Republican mega donor and collector of Picassos and other fine art, John Phelan also co-founded MSD Capital and the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC. He has won a nomination from Trump despite not having military experience.

‘John will be a tremendous force for our Naval Servicemembers, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision,’ stated Trump.

‘He will put the business of the US Navy above all else.’

US trade representative: Jamieson Greer

Jamieson Greer, a partner at the law firm King & Spalding, served on the US Air Force and defensed airmen in criminal investigation. He was also deployed in Iraq.

‘Jamieson will focus the Office of the US Trade Representative on reining in the Country’s massive Trade Deficit, defending American Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Services, and opening up Export Markets everywhere,’ stated Trump.

Department of Government Efficiency co-lead: Elon Musk

X owner and SpaceX founder Musk spent about $200million to help Trump win the November election. He has been rewarded with a new position within the administration, the Department of Government Efficiency, which he refers to as DOGE. Musk has said the US election showed a clear mandate for Trump and his officials to improve America for its citizens.

Department of Government Efficiency co-lead: Vivek Ramaswamy

Former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy quickly backed Trump after ending his bid. He is the author of a popular book and graduated from Yale Law. He founded Roivant Sciences Ltd which uses technology to help with developing drugs. Like his DOGE co-lead Musk, Ramaswamy is a billionaire.

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