Full speed ahead: Trump’s new power team as key picks for his incoming administration are revealed

President-elect Donald Trump has been rapidly announcing key appointments for his incoming administration. With intense competition among MAGA loyalists and more cabinet positions yet to be named, here’s a roundup of the high-profile picks so far.

Vice President: JD Vance

JD Vance, the millennial senator from Ohio, will become America’s second youngest vice president. Seen as a rising star in the MAGA movement, Vance has built a reputation for economic populism and skepticism toward foreign engagements like Ukraine funding, aligning closely with Trump’s vision.

Secretary of State: Marco Rubio

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has been tapped as Secretary of State. Known as a foreign policy hawk, Rubio has consistently pushed for a strong stance against Iran and China. Despite their past rivalry, Trump’s selection of Rubio signals a deepening alliance, and Rubio’s adoption of populist policies reflects the evolving MAGA agenda.

Secretary of Defense: Pete Hegseth

In a surprising choice, Trump picked Fox News host and Iraq War veteran Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense. A decorated military man with two Bronze Stars, Hegseth’s selection came unexpectedly over other candidates, including Sen. Joni Ernst and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

Department of Homeland Security: Kristi Noem

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been appointed to head the Department of Homeland Security. As the new DHS leader, Noem will oversee Trump’s border security and deportation policies. Noem was previously considered for Trump’s VP but was ultimately chosen for this critical role.

CIA Director: John Ratcliffe

Former Director of National Intelligence and Texas congressman John Ratcliffe has been selected to head the CIA. Known for his assertive stance on China and for dismissing claims of Russian disinformation around Hunter Biden’s laptop, Ratcliffe is expected to bring a tough approach to intelligence under the Trump administration.

UN Ambassador: Elise Stefanik

New York Representative Elise Stefanik has been named the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. A staunch Trump ally, Stefanik is celebrated for her strong advocacy against antisemitism, which has gained her support among Jewish backers of the president-elect.

Border Czar: Tom Homan

Tom Homan, former ICE director, will assume the role of Border Czar, a position that doesn’t require Senate confirmation. Homan, known for his hardline stance on deportations, has pledged to execute Trump’s plans to remove over a million criminal migrants, disregarding sanctuary city policies.

White House Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles

Susie Wiles, a veteran campaign strategist credited with reviving Ron DeSantis’s gubernatorial run, has been appointed Trump’s Chief of Staff. Known for her disciplined approach, Wiles led Trump’s successful 2024 campaign alongside Corey Lewandowski and Chris LaCivita.

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have been tapped to co-lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The department, unofficially nicknamed for the meme cryptocurrency, aims to oversee and reduce federal spending. Musk and Ramaswamy are expected to introduce a business-savvy, cost-cutting approach to the government.

National Security Adviser: Mike Waltz

Representative Mike Waltz, a former Green Beret from Florida, has been chosen as Trump’s National Security Adviser. Waltz is a staunch critic of Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal and a leading voice on U.S.-China relations, aligning him closely with Trump’s foreign policy objectives.

Deputy White House Chief of Staff: Stephen Miller

Stephen Miller, a prominent figure from Trump’s first term known for his strict immigration policies, has been named Deputy White House Chief of Staff. Miller brings a wealth of experience from his previous work with Senator Jeff Sessions and is expected to focus on Trump’s immigration agenda.

With this lineup of appointments, Trump is laying the groundwork for an administration centered on bold, cost-cutting measures, strong national defense, and streamlined governance.