Here Are the New Members of Donald Trump’s Administration So Far

President-elect Donald Trump has already begun building out a team to serve in his second term. 

Trump’s new administration is expected to look different from his first—he said in an October interview that the “biggest mistake” of his first term was choosing “bad, disloyal people” to join his administration. Many of the roles will need to be confirmed by the Senate—though Trump has demanded that Republican leadership bypass the typical confirmation process. 

Here are the key appointments, nominations, and staffing decisions announced by the Trump administration, in a list that will continue to be updated during the transition.

Doug Burgum, Secretary of Interior

Trump is expected to tap North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior in his upcoming Administration, elevating the former Republican presidential primary contender who dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump. Once a low-profile figure outside of his home state, Burgum gained national attention during his brief run for president in 2024 and quickly reestablished himself as a staunch Trump ally. The announcement was made during a gala at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, following a string of speculation about Burgum’s future role in the Administration.

“I look forward to doing the formal announcement, although this is a pretty big announcement right now. Actually, he’s going to head the Department of Interior, and it’s going to be fantastic,” Trump said at the America First Policy Institute Gala.

Burgum’s selection to head the Interior Department has raised eyebrows due to his lack of direct experience in environmental policy or natural resource management. However, his business background—he’s a former Microsoft executive—and ties to the energy sector could make him an attractive choice for an Administration eager to prioritize energy independence and deregulation. A former software entrepreneur, Burgum sold his tech company to Microsoft in 2001 for $1.1 billion and spent several years as a senior vice president at the tech giant. His business acumen and relationships with key players in the energy industry have positioned him as a figure who could help advance Trump’s pro-energy, pro-business agenda. Burgum’s nomination would bring a decidedly corporate flair to the Department of the Interior, an agency that oversees the nation’s public lands and natural resources.

Doug Collins, Secretary for Veterans Affairs

Trump nominated Doug Collins, the former Republican congressman from Georgia, to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a critical post tasked with overseeing the welfare of the nation’s more than 15 million veterans. Collins, a staunch Trump ally and former ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, has shown unwavering loyalty to Trump, particularly during the impeachment proceedings in the House and the fallout from the 2020 election. Collins was an Air Force Reserve chaplain who served in Iraq.

Should he be confirmed in his new role, Collins will inherit a department grappling with both budget shortfalls and a controversial electronic health records overhaul that has been plagued by delays and safety concerns. The VA’s responsibility for providing care to veterans exposed to toxic substances, such as Agent Orange, was expanded by bipartisan legislation in 2022. In a statement on social media, Collins pledged to streamline operations, cut regulations, and address corruption within the department, promising to deliver “world class care” to veterans. “Together, we’ll make the VA work for those who fought for us,” he said. 

John Sauer, Solicitor General

Trump has selected John Sauer, a key member of his legal defense team, to serve as the next U.S. Solicitor General. A former federal prosecutor and Missouri's Solicitor General from 2017 to 2023, is perhaps best known for his successful defense of Trump in a landmark Supreme Court case securing presidential immunity. The ruling, which found that a sitting President could not be prosecuted for official acts, was a critical victory for Trump amid ongoing legal challenges related to the 2020 election. Sauer had also urged the Supreme Court to intervene to keep Trump in power by challenging the 2020 election results in several crucial swing states.

If confirmed as Solicitor General, Sauer will represent the federal government in key Supreme Court cases, including contentious matters involving transgender rights and gun control. “John is a deeply accomplished, masterful appellate attorney, who clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia in the United States Supreme Court, served as Solicitor General of Missouri for six years, and has extensive experience practicing before the U.S. Supreme Court and other Appellate Courts,” Trump said in a statement. The nomination reflects Trump’s deep reliance on his inner circle of legal allies, particularly those who have defended him against multiple investigations. 

Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General

Trump has picked his personal lawyer Todd Blanche to serve as Deputy Attorney General. The nomination is a significant move within Trump’s strategy of placing loyal allies in top Justice Department roles. Blanche, who spent years as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, is credited with playing a pivotal role in defending Trump in several high-profile cases, including as the lead attorney in the New York hush-money trial that resulted in Trump’s conviction and in the cases related to his handling of classified documents and efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.

In his new role, Blanche would oversee the daily operations of the Justice Department, manage its policy priorities, and help advise Attorney General Matt Gaetz if he’s confirmed by the Senate.

Emil Bove, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General

Trump has selected Emil Bove to serve as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General. A former prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, Bove worked alongside Blanche on Trump’s defense team in the Manhattan hush-money case and the federal investigations into mishandling classified documents and election subversion. Bove joins a growing group of Trump allies in key legal positions, reinforcing the President-elect’s strategy of relying on trusted figures in his upcoming Administration.

“Emil is a tough and strong attorney, who will be a crucial part of the Justice Department, rooting out corruption and crime,” Trump said in a statement.

Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York

Trump has selected Jay Clayton, the former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), an influential post known for its aggressive pursuit of high-profile financial and political corruption cases. If confirmed, Clayton, who has no criminal prosecution experience, would inherit a number of high-profile cases, including investigations into New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the prosecution of former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat. Trump described Clayton as a “highly respected business leader, counsel, and public servant,” pointing to his years of experience in the financial world, where he was known for his work in mergers and acquisitions before taking over at the SEC in 2017.

Clayton’s tenure at the SEC was largely characterized by a pro-business approach, which included efforts to roll back certain regulations on Wall Street and to develop clearer guidelines for cryptocurrency investments. His leadership also saw significant enforcement actions, including a high-profile case against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who will co-lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, for misleading statements about taking the company private. This will be Clayton's second attempt at taking the SDNY post, after a contentious attempt in 2020 to replace Geoffrey Berman, who held the position during part of Trump’s first term. At that time, his nomination faced resistance from both inside the Justice Department and from Democratic lawmakers who feared political interference, particularly because SDNY had been investigating Trump’s associates, including his former lawyers Michael Cohen and Rudy Giuliani. 

The SDNY has long been a thorn in the side of political figures, including Trump himself, who was investigated for his role in the 2016 hush-money payments, a case that led to his conviction in New York State court. During his campaign, Trump vowed to exact revenge against the officials who prosecuted him.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services

Trump has picked Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The appointment comes less than three months after Kennedy dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Trump.

Kennedy, 70, is known for his vocal opposition to vaccines, particularly his longstanding claims linking vaccinations to autism—a theory debunked by decades of scientific research. His views, which have earned him both fervent supporters and sharp critics, now position him at the helm of the very agency responsible for overseeing the nation’s health regulations.

Kennedy would need to be confirmed by the Senate. The nomination marks a dramatic departure from conventional selections for the position, and it is likely to test the Senate's willingness to confirm yet another controversial figure. In his new role, Kennedy is expected to have significant influence over key health agencies within HHS, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). His past rhetoric, which includes calls for removing fluoride from drinking water and restructuring the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggests that his tenure could lead to sweeping changes in federal health policy, especially around vaccine safety and food regulation. Kennedy has tempered some of his more extreme positions in recent interviews, such as assuring the public that he would not “take vaccines away from anybody,” but his broader agenda remains focused on revisiting vaccine safety studies and challenging longstanding health guidelines, particularly those related to childhood immunizations.

Although Kennedy’s appointment has raised alarms among public health experts, Trump has expressed confidence in his new nominee’s ability to reshape the nation's health system. Trump said in a statement that Kennedy would “restore these agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research” and “end the Chronic Disease epidemic.”

Matt Gaetz, U.S. Attorney General

Matt Gaetz, a Republican Congressman from Florida, was nominated to serve as U.S. attorney general. If confirmed (the position would require Senate approval), Gaetz will take over the department that just recently was investigating him for possible sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. The Department of Justice decided not to charge him, and he faced a House Ethics Committee investigation, which ended after he resigned from Congress upon his nomination to Trump’s Cabinet. (Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.) In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said that Gaetz “has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice.”

Read More: Column: Matt Gaetz Nomination Confirms Trump’s Revenge Talk Wasn't Bluster

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress, was selected by Trump to serve as director of national intelligence. The position will require Senate confirmation. Gabbard served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and was a member of the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees. After running for President as a Democrat in 2019, she left the Democratic Party to become an independent. She joined the Republican Party in 2024 and endorsed Trump for President, co-chairing his transition team.

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been named Secretary of State. Rubio currently serves as the vice-chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and sits on the Foreign Relations Committee. He was a vocal critic of Trump in 2016 during his own presidential bid, but went on to endorse and campaign for him in 2024. Rubio has taken a hardline stance on China and Iran, and has called for an end of the war in Ukraine with a “negotiated settlement.” The role requires Senate confirmation.

Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff

Longtime Trump advisor Stephen Miller was named deputy chief of staff for policy, which Trump’s Vice President-elect J.D. Vance had already confirmed in a post on X. The role does not require Senate confirmation.

Miller worked with Trump on his 2016 campaign and then joined him in the White House as a senior adviser. He orchestrated some of the first Trump Administration’s controversial immigration policies, including the “zero tolerance” family separation policy. Upon leaving the White House, he started America First Legal, a conservative legal nonprofit, which targeted many Biden Administration initiatives.

Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff

Dan Scavino, a key figure in Trump’s political orbit for nearly a decade, has been appointed as deputy chief of staff and assistant to the President. Scavino first worked for Trump as a caddy at one of his golf courses, and has risen through the ranks to become one of Trump’s most trusted and longest-serving aides. He played a central role in shaping Trump’s media presence, first as social media director for the 2016 campaign and later as the White House’s director of social media during Trump’s first term. In his new role, Scavino will likely continue to wield significant influence over both the day-to-day operations of the White House and Trump’s public messaging strategy.

In 2022, he was held in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House committee investigating the January 6th Capitol insurrection, though the Department of Justice declined to prosecute him.

James Blair, deputy chief of staff

James Blair has been appointed as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political, and public affairs, a role that will place him at the heart of Trump’s political strategy and legislative agenda. Blair previously served as political director for both Trump’s 2024 campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC), and was also a top aide for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. He played a pivotal role in crafting Trump’s economic messaging during his campaign, including the "Trump can fix it" slogan. Blair will also serve as an assistant to the President.

Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff

Taylor Budowich has been appointed as deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel, placing him at the forefront of Trump’s public relations and staffing strategies. A veteran of Trump’s political operations, Budowich launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., the pro-Trump Super PAC that supported his 2024 bid. He also served as the spokesperson for Trump after his first term, working closely with the Save America PAC to shape the narrative surrounding Trump’s post-White House political activities.

Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security

The governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem, will be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The agency oversees everything from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Secret Service.

“She will work closely with ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan to secure the Border, and will guarantee that our American Homeland is secure from our adversaries,” Trump said in a statement sharing the pick.

A Trump loyalist, Noem was an outspoken opponent of COVID-19 safety measures and has historically taken a hardline stance on immigration. She was expected to be a front-runner for Trump’s Vice President pick in 2024, but faced controversy for admitting in her book, No Going Back, that she killed her 14-month-old dog after it ruined a hunt, killed another family’s chickens, and moved to bite her.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, co-heads of “Department of Government Efficiency”

Trump announced that his prominent supporter, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE, for short). In a statement, Trump shared that the two will work from outside the government but partner with the White House and Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” Trump said that the two will finish their work by July 4, 2026.

Ramaswamy, who ran in the Republican primary before dropping out and endorsing Trump, made reducing government spending a key part of his campaign. During his campaign, Trump also mentioned the possibility of giving Musk, who has said he could cut nearly a third of annual government spending, a role in the Administration.

Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense

As co-host of Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends, Pete Hegseth is an untraditional choice for Secretary of Defense. “I am honored to announce that I have nominated Pete Hegseth to serve in my Cabinet as The Secretary of Defense,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First.” If confirmed, Hegseth, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and at Guantanamo Bay, will take on the job amidst a number of global crises—including the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

John Ratcliffe, CIA director

Trump said he will name John Ratcliffe to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), pending confirmation by the Senate. Ratcliffe served as a Texas congressman from 2015 to 2020, before joining the first Trump Administration as Director of National Intelligence. While in Congress, he served as a member of the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees and as Cybersecurity Chairman on the Homeland Security Committee. Ratcliffe, who received a National Security Medal from Trump in 2020, testified in front of a grand jury as part of a criminal probe into the aftermath of the 2020 election, and warned White House staffers against following through with efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, according to a former White House staffer.

William Joseph McGinley, White House counsel

William Joseph McGinley, who served as White House Cabinet secretary in the first Trump Administration, will serve as Trump’s White House counsel. McGinley most recently worked as an outside counsel for the Republican National Committee’s election integrity team during the 2024 election.

“Bill is a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement,” Trump said in a statement announcing the decision.

Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East

Trump has appointed real estate executive and philanthropist Steven Witkoff as his special envoy to the Middle East, tapping a close personal ally and major campaign fundraiser for a role that could shape U.S. foreign policy in the region. Witkoff, the chairman and CEO of Witkoff Group, played a key role in rallying financial backing for Trump from Jewish donors, particularly during tensions with the Biden Administration over military support for Israel.

Trump praised Witkoff’s business acumen and philanthropic efforts, calling him an “unrelenting Voice for PEACE,” while noting his ability to make “every project and community he has been involved with stronger and more prosperous.” Witkoff was golfing with Trump at Trump’s club in West Palm Beach, Florida in September when the former President was the target of a second assassination attempt.

The special envoy role remains somewhat undefined compared to traditional diplomatic positions. Witkoff has no prior experience in foreign diplomacy. He has been an outspoken advocate for Trump’s Middle East policies, praising the former President for his efforts to strengthen Israel's position and curb Iran’s influence. 

Witkoff is also set to co-chair Trump’s inaugural committee.

Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel

Trump has selected former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be his Ambassador to Israel, tapping a loyal ally for the high-profile diplomatic position with the region in crisis. If confirmed by the Senate, Huckabee will step into the role as Israel wages a multifront war against Iran’s proxies and a humanitarian catastrophe unfolds in Gaza.

A staunch defender of Israel and a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Huckabee has long been a proponent of U.S. policies that align with Israeli interests, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving the U.S. Embassy to the city. His appointment signals a continuation of Trump’s support for Israel, particularly in its conflict with Hamas and its broader territorial claims.

“Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” Trump said in a statement. “He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!”

An evangelical Christian, Huckabee would be the first non-Jewish person to hold the role since 2011. Huckabee has consistently dismissed the notion of Palestinian statehood within Israeli borders, suggesting in the past that any Palestinian state should be established in neighboring countries such as Egypt or Jordan. During his 2008 presidential campaign, he said, “There’s really no such thing as a Palestinian.” He has also signaled that he opposes negotiating a ceasefire deal with Hamas, calling on the Islamist militant group to surrender.

Huckabee’s daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is the current Governor of Arkansas and served as White House press secretary during Trump’s first term.

Mike Waltz, national security adviser

Mike Waltz, a Republican congressman from Florida, was tapped to serve as Trump’s national security advisor. Waltz, a Green Beret veteran who served in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, has been a member of Congress since 2019. He is a member of the House’s China Task Force, along with the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence committees. Waltz, widely known for his aggressive stance on China and Iran, will step into the role amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Last year, he wrote an op-ed for Fox News in which he argued that “the era of Ukraine’s blank check from Congress is over.” He, like Trump, has also called for European countries to contribute more to NATO. The role does not require Senate confirmation.

“Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda, and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength,” Trump said in a statement.

Elise Stefanik, U.N. ambassador

Trump nominated New York Rep. Elise Stefanik to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik has been a critic of the U.N., in particular over the organization’s stance on Israel, saying last month that the Biden Administration should consider a “complete reassessment” of U.S. funding of the U.N. given the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to expel Israel from the General Assembly. Stefanik has been a vocal supporter of Trump, during both of his impeachment trials and as he contested the results of the 2020 election. She has ascended the party’s ranks, serving as chair of the House Republican Conference, the fourth highest position in House GOP leadership. Stefanik’s appointment will need to be confirmed by the Senate.

Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator

Trump has picked Lee Zeldin, a former New York representative, to serve as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The position is subject to Senate confirmation. Zeldin said he would “restore U.S. energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI,” while committing to clean air and water, in a statement posted on X.

Zeldin represented a district spanning from Long Island to the Hamptons while in Congress from 2015-2023 and previously served as a major in the Army Reserve. Zeldin was a staunch defender of Trump during his first term and sided with him during both impeachments. Zeldin most recently ran against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in the state’s 2022 gubernatorial race.

Tom Homan, ‘border czar’

Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was appointed as “border czar,” a role that will likely be involved in Trump’s plan for mass deportations of millions of undocumented migrants. Homan, a former police officer, will be in charge of the southern and northern U.S. borders, as well as “all Maritime and Aviation Security,” according to Trump’s post on Truth Social. Homan also served in Trump’s first term—acting as ICE director from January 2017 to June 2018—and played a role in Trump’s crackdown on immigration, as one of the architects of the administration’s controversial child separation policy. The role will not require Senate confirmation.

Susie Wiles, chief of staff

Susie Wiles, Trump’s 2024 campaign manager, was named White House chief of staff soon after Election Day, in the first major staffing decision. A longtime Republican strategist and campaign staffer, Wiles worked on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign and managed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ winning gubernatorial campaign in 2018. Wiles, who Trump referred to as the “ice maiden” in his election night victory speech, will be the first woman to serve as chief of staff.

—With additional reporting by Solcyré Burga/New York