WASHINGTON — Donald Trump is set to make a return to the White House, accompanied by a mix of longtime supporters and some newer, high-profile allies. As the Republican president-elect begins to assemble his administration, he has been seen with a rotating group of associates during his recent campaign, many of whom stood with him during his victory declaration early Wednesday.
Among the notable figures around Trump is Susie Wiles, who marks her second time in a significant role within Trump’s administration, acting as the new chief of staff. Responsible for orchestrating a disciplined campaign, Wiles was labeled as a quiet yet powerful force behind Trump’s successful 2024 bid. A seasoned Republican strategist based in Florida, she has previously led Trump’s campaigns in that state as well as Rick Scott’s successful gubernatorial run in 2010. Wiles is the daughter of the late renowned NFL player and broadcaster Pat Summerall.
Another significant presence is Lara Trump, who has effectively become an influential voice within the Republican Party as she serves as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. Married to Donald Trump’s son Eric, Lara has actively campaigned for her father-in-law and even considered running for Senate in North Carolina in 2022. Within the RNC, she has worked on initiatives including voter outreach and fundraising, alongside exploring her newfound passion for music through various song releases infused with political themes.
Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has also remained close to Trump throughout his campaigns. Their friendship dates back to 2001 when White hosted a UFC event at Trump’s former Atlantic City casino. White’s presence at UFC matches and Republican conventions highlights his role in helping Trump appeal to a younger demographic, most recently during Trump’s victory celebration.
Linda McMahon plays a pivotal role in Trump’s administration; she serves as co-chair of the transition team and has been a longtime ally. After leading the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, McMahon has since focused on strategizing for another Trump presidency through her leadership in the America First Policy Institute.
Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has also joined the transition team as co-chair, helping assemble future administration personnel. While he has a history of political donations across party lines and was even a familiar face on “The Apprentice,” Lutnick faced backlash in the latter stages of the campaign for comments he made that echoed discredited vaccine conspiracy theories.
Boris Epshteyn is another member of Trump’s inner circle; he has served as both a lawyer and assistant for Trump. Previously involved in the 2016 campaign, Epshteyn was accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results and has pleaded not guilty to associated felony charges in Arizona.
Stephen Miller, a former senior adviser during Trump’s first term, has remained a crucial figure shaping policy, particularly regarding immigration. Now heading America First Legal, he continues to challenge the Biden administration on various fronts, promising a major crackdown on illegal immigration.
Richard Grenell, who previously served as Trump’s ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence, is also expected to secure a top position in the upcoming administration. His efforts during the campaign included facilitating outreach to key voter demographics and participating in notable meetings with international leaders.
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for leading Tesla and SpaceX, has gained significant clout within Trump’s circle, especially following his acquisition of Twitter—now X. Musk’s transition from a past Obama supporter to a staunch Trump advocate underscores his growing influence, marked by substantial financial backing of Trump’s campaign.
Another unexpected ally in Trump’s orbit is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmentalist and anti-vaccine activist. Initially entering the presidential race as a Democrat, Kennedy eventually endorsed Trump, expressing interest in influencing health policies should Trump win.
Finally, Brooke Rollins, an established associate of Trump, could also be part of the new administration. Formerly serving as Trump’s domestic policy chief, Rollins currently leads the America First Policy Institute and has a background in Texas politics.
As Trump embarks on this new chapter, these individuals represent a mix of personal connections and strategic allies, poised to shape the next administration’s agenda.