President-elect Donald Trump is in the process of appointing significant positions within his upcoming administration, focusing primarily on individuals who were among his most vigorous supporters during the 2024 campaign.
Here’s an overview of the individuals he has appointed thus far.
**Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff**
At the age of 67, Wiles played a crucial role in Trump’s 2024 campaign as a senior adviser and effectively acted as its manager. With extensive experience in Florida politics, she was instrumental in Ron DeSantis’ initial victory for the governorship. However, in six years, Wiles became pivotal in Trump’s success against DeSantis during the 2024 Republican primary.
Wiles’ selection marks Trump’s first significant choice as president-elect, potentially setting the tone for his administration, given her strong rapport with Trump. She has gained the president-elect’s confidence notably by steering what became his most disciplined campaign, keeping him focused by respecting his instincts and showcasing the benefits of her guidance.
**Tom Homan, Border Czar**
Homan, who is 62, has been assigned to oversee what Trump has identified as his principal aim: executing the most extensive deportation initiative in the nation’s history. Previously, Homan led U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first term and was widely anticipated to take on a role pertaining to border management, a focal point during Trump’s campaign.
Although he has claimed that the implementation of such a vast operation would be handled humanely, Homan has been an unwavering ally of Trump’s immigration policies. In a conference held in Washington in July, he expressed readiness to “run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Homan has faced criticism from Democrats for his support of Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy, which resulted in the separation of many asylum-seeking parents and their children at the border.
**Elise Stefanik, United Nations Ambassador**
Stefanik, a New York representative, has demonstrated strong loyalty to Trump, especially during his initial impeachment proceedings. Since her election to the House in 2014, she has been a key figure, having been elected as House Republican Conference chair in 2021 following Liz Cheney’s removal due to her public denouncement of Trump’s baseless claims of winning the 2020 election. At 40, Stefanik holds a prominent role within House leadership.
Her inquiries into university presidents about antisemitism have resulted in the resignation of two presidents, elevating her stature nationally. If confirmed, Stefanik’s responsibilities will include advocating for U.S. interests at the United Nations, especially as Trump seeks to conclude the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia against Ukraine in 2022, and address the situation in Gaza as Israel continues military actions against Hamas and Hezbollah.
**Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy**
Miller, known for his hardline stance on immigration, served as a prominent advocate for Trump’s mass deportation objectives during the campaign. At 39, he previously held a senior advisory role in Trump’s administration.
Miller has been pivotal in shaping various policy directives, particularly the controversial decision to separate immigrant families. Throughout the campaign, Trump maintained that national economic and security interests would be best served by deporting individuals residing in the U.S. without documentation. Since leaving office in 2021, Miller has taken the role of president at America First Legal, an organization comprised of former Trump advisers focusing on legal challenges against the Biden administration, media outlets, universities, and various issues related to free speech and national readiness.