Donald Trump reclaimed the White House on January 20, taking the US presidency after Joe Biden's departure, and after his electoral win against former vice president Kamala Harris.
Mr Trump has been nominating senior figures to his cabinet and administration to join his Vice President JD Vance. All choices for cabinet roles have to be confirmed by the Senate. Confirmation hearings began after the inauguration.
"President Trump promised a golden age for the country, but actions speak louder than words and so far nominees suggest if there is a golden age coming, it's only one for the very very elite," Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer said.
There has been backlash over some nominations and Mr Trump's pick for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration after meeting senators on Capitol Hill.
“I think they all have a path to get there,” Senate Republican leader John Thune said of the nominees.
The National looks at who Mr Trump has chosen so far and whether they've been confirmed:
Cabinet posts:
Marco Rubio, secretary of state | Confirmed
Mr Rubio, a US senator from Florida and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, has been confirmed as Secretary of State. He was listed as a possible running mate for Mr Trump this year and has served on the Senate committee on foreign relations and as the senior Republican on the Senate intelligence committee. Mr Rubio’s staunch support for Israel has been a defining feature of his political career. He has consistently backed military and economic aid to the country while endorsing policies that address Israel’s security concerns. He has also advocated fostering strong ties with Gulf nations, viewing relationships with those countries as essential for regional stability and efforts to counter the influence of Iran.
Pete Hegseth, secretary of defence | Confirmed
Fox News host Mr Hegseth has been confirmed to be secretary of defence, an unexpected move that places a former television presenter in charge of America's vast military with an annual budget approaching $1 trillion. Mr Hegseth, 44, is a US Army veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He won two Bronze Stars for his tours overseas and has railed against what conservatives decry as a “woke” Pentagon that they say is more concerned about attracting diverse recruits than it is on fighting wars.
Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence | Confirmed
Ms Gabbard, the first Samoan-American to serve in Congress, has represented the state of Hawaii as a Democrat from 2013-2022. She left the party to join the Republicans that year. Ms Gabbard is a combat veteran who was sent three times to the Middle East and Africa. “Tulsi has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans,” Mr Trump said as he announced her nomination.
John Ratcliffe, CIA director | Confirmed
Mr Ratcliffe served as director of national intelligence for the final months of Mr Trump’s first term, leading American spy agencies during the Covid-19 pandemic and as the US government contended with foreign efforts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election. He was elected to Congress in 2014, but his visibility rose in 2019 as a defender of Trump during the House’s first impeachment proceedings against him.
Scott Bessent, secretary of the Treasury | Confirmed
Mr Bessent runs macro hedge fund Key Square Group and served as a key economic adviser to Mr Trump during the campaign, promoting his agenda and crafting policy speeches. “Scott is widely respected as one of the world’s foremost international investors and geopolitical and economic strategists,” Mr Trump said. Mr Bessent will assume the role of the nation’s highest-ranking economic policymaker, and will spearhead Mr Trump’s bid to extend many of his 2017 tax cuts beyond their expiration next year.
Jamieson Greer, US trade representative | Confirmed
Mr Greer is an international trade lawyer, who previously worked as chief of staff for Robert Lighthizer in the first Trump administration and assisted in their re-negotiation of the Nafta agreement with Canada and Mexico. The former Air Force lawyer could oversee the new high tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico that Mr Trump has previewed.
Kristi Noem, secretary of homeland security | Confirmed
Once seen as a potential running mate for Mr Trump, Ms Noem will conclude her second four-year term as South Dakota's Governor to serve in the cabinet. The Covid-19 pandemic allowed for her rise to national prominence when she refused to impose a statewide mask mandate. Ms Noem has expressed strong support for Mr Trump's immigration policies and has defended other Republican governors in their efforts to crack down on migrants in their states. Mr Trump said that she will be assisted by Tom Homan, whom he has named as “border tsar”, in the push to secure the southern border.
Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff | No confirmation needed
Ms Wiles is joining the White House after serving as campaign manager for Mr Trump. She will become the first female chief of staff in White House history. Ms Wiles was a senior adviser on Mr Trump's 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, and a political operative in Florida for decades.
Pam Bondi, attorney general | Confirmed
Ms Bondi is a lawyer, lobbyist and politician who was the attorney general for the state of Florida from 2011 to 2019. She is a long-time ally of Mr Trump and was one of his lawyers during his first impeachment trial. She supported his claims of widespread voter fraud during the 2020 election. “Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on violent criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida families,” Mr Trump said in the announcement.
Robert F Kennedy, Jr, secretary of health and human services | Confirmed
Mr Kennedy, long dismissed as an anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist by the Democrats, will now be invited into a Trump administration leading on health efforts. Mr Trump said Mr Kennedy will “restore these agencies to the traditions of gold standard scientific research, and beacons of transparency, to end the chronic disease epidemic, and to make America great and healthy again”. Mr Kennedy has said he wants to ban fluoride – long credited with saving children from dental cavities – from drinking water and Mr Trump has seemed receptive to his idea of increased scrutiny of vaccines.
Doug Burgum, secretary of interior and chairman of National Energy Council | Confirmed
The two-term North Dakota governor is one of the wealthiest state leaders in the country, with a net worth of $100 million, according to Forbes. He ran an unsuccessful primary campaign before endorsing Mr Trump this year, and the two have reportedly developed a strong political and personal relationship. As interior secretary, he will oversee the management and conservation of federal lands and natural resources, as well as administer programmes relating to Native Americans. Mr Burgum has also been named chairman of the newly formed National Energy Council.
Sean Duffy, secretary of transport | Confirmed
Mr Duffy is a former congressman from Wisconsin who Mr Trump described as “a respected voice and communicator in the Republican Conference, advocating for fiscal responsibility, economic growth and rural development”. He first gained fame as a cast member on The Real World: Boston and two subsequent spin-offs before becoming a district attorney. He left politics in 2019 due to family issues.
Doug Collins, secretary for veterans affairs | Confirmed
Mr Collins is a former congressman for the state of Georgia and a veteran of the Iraq war. He is a chaplain with the US Air Force Reserve and previously served in the navy. While in Congress, Mr Collins was a staunch defender of Mr Trump during his Ukraine impeachment inquiry. “We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our active duty service members, veterans and military families to ensure they have the support they need,” Mr Trump said in a statement.
Linda McMahon, secretary of education | Confirmed
Billionaire professional wrestling mogul Ms McMahon served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration during Mr Trump’s first term. She served from 2017-2019, afterwards becoming chairwoman of pro-Trump super Pac America First Action. “Linda will use her decades of leadership experience, and deep understanding of both education and business, to empower the next generation of American students and workers, and make America number one in education in the world,” Mr Trump said.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, secretary of labour | Confirmed
Ms Chavez-DeRemer is a Republican congresswoman from Oregon. Her nomination was backed by the Teamsters Union. She is a businesswoman and founded an anaesthesia management company with her husband. “Lori’s strong support from both the business and labour communities will ensure that the Labour Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our agenda for unprecedented national success – making America richer, wealthier, stronger and more prosperous than ever before!” Mr Trump said in his announcement.
Howard Lutnick, secretary of commerce | Confirmed
The president-elect has nominated the long-time Wall Street chief executive to oversee US businesses relations, economic growth, job creation and trade. Mr Lutnick “will lead our tariff and trade agenda”, Mr Trump wrote in his statement, further cementing aims to add tariffs on Chinese goods and all other international goods entering the US. Mr Lutnick has been the head of the broker and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, and recently a cryptocurrency enthusiast. He also holds a formal role in the Trump transition.
Kelly Loeffler, Small Business Administration administrator | Confirmed
The top Trump donor with a short stint as a Georgia Senator was nominated to lead the Small Business Administration in Mr Trump's new cabinet. "Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our small businesses to grow, innovate and thrive," Mr Trump said. She is a former chief executive of a cryptocurrency trading platform and is married to the billionaire chief executive of Intercontinental Exchange, Jeff Sprecher.
Chris Wright, secretary of energy | Confirmed
Mr Trump said he nominated Mr Wright as his secretary of energy, as well as a member of a “newly formed” Council of National Energy, which his Interior nominee Mr Burgum will lead. Mr Wright is known as a major Republican fund-raiser who is a chief executive of an oilfield services firm based in Colorado. He is known as a defender of fossil fuel use and made public claims that “there is no climate crisis”. The President said that Mr Wright “will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape”.
Scott Turner, secretary of housing and urban development | Confirmed
Mr Turner is a businessman, motivational speaker and former professional American football player who previously served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalisation Council. He is a former Texas state legislator. “Scott will work alongside me to Make America Great Again for EVERY American,” Mr Trump said in a statement.
Brooke Rollins, agriculture secretary | Confirmed
Mr Trump announced the nomination of Ms Rollins to lead the US Department of Agriculture "to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country". She has a history in working as part of Mr Trump's first presidency and several conservative policy organisations. The President said her "defence of American food self-sufficiency, and the restoration of agriculture-dependent small towns is second to none".
Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency | Confirmed
Mr Zeldin is a former member of Congress and a long-time supporter of Mr Trump. It is unknown if he has any experience in environmental issues. The President said Mr Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet”.
Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget | Confirmed
Mr Vought served in the position during Mr Trump's first term until President Joe Biden took office. “We cut four regulations for every new regulation, and it was a great success,” Mr Trump said. After leaving the OMB in 2021, Mr Vought founded the Centre for Renewing America, which is focused on combating critical race theory. He is also involved with Project 2025, the blueprint by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank for a Republican administration. As director of the OMB, Mr Vought will be tasked with assisting the president in meeting policy, budget, management and regulatory objectives.
Other major roles:
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency | No confirmation needed
The billionaire will be charged with cutting government waste in a department replacing the US Digital Service, according to a Trump executive order. Tesla head Mr Musk became a crucial ally to Mr Trump during his campaign, reportedly spending more than $100 million to help the Republican win and repeatedly boosting Mr Trump's candidacy on X, which he owns. Mr Trump said the department would “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures and restructure federal agencies”. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate, withdrew from serving in the department to run for office in Ohio.
Mike Huckabee, ambassador to Israel | Confirmed
A former governor of Arkansas and devout Christian, Mr Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his nomination comes as Mr Trump has promised to align US foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Mr Trump said Mr Huckabee, an Evangelical Christian, will work “tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East”. Speaking to NewsNation in June, Mr Huckabee said there can be no negotiating with Hamas, which the US and other countries have designated a terrorist group.
Steven Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East | No confirmation needed
Mr Trump described Mr Witkoff as “a highly respected leader in business and philanthropy, who has made every project and community he has been involved with stronger and more prosperous”. He added that Mr Witkoff “will be an unrelenting voice for peace”. Mr Trump made bringing peace to the Middle East a major focus of his campaign. Mr Witkoff is a real estate investor and Trump campaign donor. He is not known to have any diplomatic experience or experience in the Middle East.
Massad Boulos, Middle East adviser | No confirmation needed
Mr Trump nominated the Lebanese American businessman, and father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany Trump, to be his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Mr Boulos is known for his strong ties to Lebanese politics and having helped Mr Trump's campaign in Arab American communities.
Kash Patel, FBI director | Confirmed
Known as a Trump loyalist and Washington "deep state" critic, Mr Patel is nominated to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The agency is currently led by Christopher Wray, who is four years into his 10-year term, meaning Mr Patel's appointment would require Mr Wray's resignation or firing. Mr Trump says Mr Patel, a lawyer and former federal prosecutor, will "bring back fidelity, bravery and integrity to the FBI".
Mike Waltz, national security adviser | No confirmation needed
Mr Waltz served in the US Army as a Green Beret, deploying to Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, before being elected to Congress representing the state of Florida in 2019. He previously served in the George W Bush White House and at the Pentagon. Mr Trump described him as “an expert on the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran and global terrorism”. He will have to help Mr Trump navigate a troubled geopolitical landscape, with wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.
Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counter-terrorism | No confirmation needed
Mr Gorka served in the first Trump administration as counter-terrorism adviser but was pushed out after seven months. Mr Trump described him as a “tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the Maga movement”. The Hungarian-American official is currently a political commentator, appearing frequently on conservative news networks. He strongly backed Mr Trump's so-called Muslim ban in 2017 and critics have described him as Islamophobic.
Daniel Driscoll, Army secretary | Confirmed
Mr Driscoll is a former soldier who briefly served in Iraq. He has also served as Vice President JD Vance's senior adviser after they studied together at Yale University. “Dan will be a fearless and relentless fighter for America’s Soldiers and the America First agenda,” Mr Trump said.
John Phelan, Navy secretary | Not yet confirmed
The businessman and investor will become the next secretary of the US Navy, despite having no military experience. He could become the first person in 15 years to lead the navy without having served, but Mr Trump said he "will be a tremendous force for our naval service members".
Matthew Whitaker, ambassador to Nato | Not yet confirmed
Mr Whitaker served in Mr Trump's first administration as acting attorney general following the resignation of Jeff Sessions. He also served as the US attorney for the Southern District of Iowa during the George W Bush and Barack Obama administrations. Mr Trump described Mr Whitaker as “a strong warrior and loyal patriot, who will ensure the United States' interests are advanced and defended”, adding that Mr Whitaker would “strengthen relationships with our Nato allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to peace and stability”. Mr Whitaker is likely to face a host of challenges as ambassador to Nato as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.
Keith Kellogg, special envoy for Ukraine and Russia | No confirmation needed
The retired general will be an assistant to Mr Trump and work on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the President said, with the goal to "secure peace through strength". Mr Kellogg was a member of Mr Trump's national security team in his first presidency, and reportedly shared with Mr Trump a plan on how to end the war in Ukraine.
Adam Boehler, special envoy on hostage affairs | No confirmation needed
Mr Boehler will serve as Mr Trump's special presidential envoy on hostage affairs after having worked as a lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords in Mr Trump's first presidency. "Adam will work tirelessly to bring our Great American Citizens HOME," the President said of Mr Boehler.
Charles Kushner, US ambassador to France | Not yet confirmed
Mr Trump said his son-in-law Jared Kushner's father would serve as US ambassador to France. He is known as an American real estate developer, especially in New Jersey and New York. Mr Kushner has also been convicted for illegal campaign contributions and tax evasion, leading to his disbarment as a lawyer.
Warren Stephens, US ambassador to Britain | Not yet confirmed
The chief executive and president of financial services company Stephens Inc will be Mr Trump's envoy to Britain after having contributing $2 million to a pro-Trump political action committee. “Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full-time,” Mr Trump said. “I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top diplomat, representing the USA to one of America’s most cherished and beloved allies.”
Pete Hoekstra, US ambassador to Canada | Confirmed
The former US ambassador to the Netherlands during Mr Trump's first presidency will be ambassador to Canada, Mr Trump announced. Mr Hoekstra apologised for making anti-Muslim comments that falsely asserted there were "no-go zones" in the Netherlands. As a prominent Republican in Michigan, he was also a Michigan congressman for nearly two decades.
Jared Isaacman, Nasa administrator | Not yet confirmed
The billionaire private astronaut and entrepreneur is nominated to lead the national space agency. Mr Isaacman is seen as an ally of pro-Trump SpaceX chief executive Mr Musk, having worked with him on testing spacesuits on the first private spacewalk. "Jared’s passion for space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new space economy, make him ideally suited to lead Nasa into a bold new era," Mr Trump said.
Brendan Carr, head of the Federal Communications Commission | No confirmation needed
Mr Trump described Mr Carr as a “warrior for free speech”. He was already the senior Republican on the FCC, which regulates licences for TV and radio, pricing of home internet, and other communications matters. Writing on X, Mr Carr said he would work to “dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans”. Mr Carr wrote the FCC chapter in Project 2025.
Paul Atkins, SEC chairman | Confirmed
The former commissioner at the US Securities and Exchange Commission during former president George W Bush's leadership will return to run the regulatory agency under Mr Trump. Mr Atkins is viewed as a pro-business conservative who is also friendly with digital crypto-currency enthusiasts.
Kevin Hassett, head of National Economic Council | No confirmation needed
He "will play an important role in helping American families recover from the inflation that was unleashed by the Biden administration" as well as tax cuts and "fair trade" globally, Mr Trump said in a statement. Mr Hassett previously worked as a top economist in Mr Trump's first administration.
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary | No confirmation needed
Mr Trump announced that the 27-year-old press secretary for the Trump campaign will be his spokeswoman in the James S Brady briefing room, saying that he has the “utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American people”. She also worked as assistant press secretary during Mr Trump's first presidency and is a former White House intern.
Mehmet Oz, head of Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services | Confirmed
The medical TV host has been appointed to lead the federal agency that provides health coverage for 150 million people. Mr Trump says there is “no physician more qualified and capable” than Dr Oz, a Turkish-American cardiac surgeon. The President said Dr Oz will work closely with Mr Kennedy, as the agency falls under the Health and Human Services Department.
Janette Nesheiwat, US surgeon general | Not yet confirmed
Dr Nesheiwat, also known as a Fox News medical contributor, was nominated to be the nation's surgeon general in Mr Trump's next presidency and lead Americans "to take charge of their health". She has a storied medical career with leading relief missions globally. The doctor was born to Jordanian immigrants.
Martin Makary, Food and Drugs Administration commissioner | Confirmed
The surgical oncologist at Johns Hopkins University and frequent Fox News guest was tapped to "course-correct and refocus the agency", Mr Trump said, because the President believes the FDA "has lost the trust of Americans and has lost sight of its primary goal as a regulator". Dr Makary will work closely with Mr Kennedy in the role.
Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health director | Confirmed
The doctor is to work under Mr Kennedy and lead the medical research agency, and "make important discoveries that will improve health and save lives", Mr Trump said. Dr Bhattacharya is an Indian-American physician and economist at Stanford University. He is known for playing down the Covid death toll, supporting herd immunity in infections and opposing pandemic-era restrictions.
