Trump’s Cabinet Picks: A Dream Team If Your Dream Is a Disaster

As Donald Trump begins to assemble his cabinet for a potential second term, his selections raise eyebrows—and not in a good way. From controversial figures with little to no relevant experience to outspoken political allies with histories of scandal, Trump’s nominees are far from conventional. Whether it’s a health secretary with a history of spreading vaccine misinformation or a "border czar" with a questionable record on immigration enforcement, this list of picks raises serious questions about the direction of a second Trump administration.

Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles

Just two days after his election victory, Donald Trump announced that Susie Wiles, the current co-chair of his 2024 campaign, would serve as his White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, a veteran of Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns, will make history as the first woman to hold this position. She also played a pivotal role in helping Trump navigate his ongoing legal battles, according to The New York Times. In his statement, Trump praised Wiles as "tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired and respected."

Secretary of State: Marco Rubio

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been tapped as Trump's nominee for Secretary of State, announced on Wednesday. Trump praised Rubio as “a strong advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless warrior who will never back down to our adversaries.” A staunch critic of China, Venezuela, Iran, and Cuba, Rubio has called for ending the war in Ukraine without Ukraine joining NATO. Rubio is currently a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees.

Attorney General: Matt Gaetz

Trump nominated former Florida House Representative Matt Gaetz as Attorney General on Thursday, despite controversy surrounding his legal history. Trump described Gaetz as someone who would “end weaponized government, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organizations, and restore faith and confidence in the Justice Department.” Gaetz’s nomination has sparked concerns in the Senate, with some Republican senators voicing opposition. His nomination follows investigations into allegations of sex trafficking, which the Department of Justice declined to pursue. Gaetz's recent resignation from the House Ethics Committee investigation adds to the scrutiny of his candidacy.

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

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the 2024 Independent presidential nominee, has been selected by Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. In his announcement, Trump said Kennedy “will restore these agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research” and tackle the chronic disease epidemic. Kennedy, a controversial figure known for his anti-vaccine stance and criticism of the CDC and FDA, has pledged to radically reform health agencies under his purview. His unconventional views and past actions, including promoting discredited health treatments and making inflammatory statements, have generated significant public attention.

Ambassador to the United Nations: Elise Stefanik

Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, currently the chair of the House Republican Conference, was one of Trump’s first cabinet picks. Trump praised Stefanik as “an incredible Ambassador to the United Nations” who would champion “Peace through Strength” and prioritize America’s national security interests. Although Stefanik lacks significant foreign policy experience, she has been a staunch Trump ally and a defender during his impeachment trials. She has also played a key role in overseeing Congressional hearings on issues like the war in Gaza.

Secretary of Defense: Pete Hegseth

Trump announced Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, as his choice for Secretary of Defense. Trump lauded Hegseth’s commitment to supporting the troops, describing him as “a courageous and patriotic champion of our ‘Peace through Strength’ policy.” Hegseth’s lack of formal military leadership experience may face scrutiny, but his outspoken support for Trump and his controversial views, including opposition to women in combat roles, make him a polarizing figure.

Secretary of Homeland Security: Kristi Noem

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been nominated as Secretary of Homeland Security. Trump highlighted her strong stance on border security, despite her state’s distance from the southern border, and praised her efforts to send National Guard troops to Texas to assist in border enforcement. Noem’s hardline views on immigration have made her a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s policies. Her controversial memoir, in which she described shooting a dangerous dog, has added to her notoriety.

Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard, the former U.S. Representative from Hawaii and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, has been tapped as Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, a former lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, has become known for her criticism of U.S. foreign policy and her past meetings with controversial figures like Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Trump praised Gabbard’s “fearless spirit” and her commitment to securing the nation’s intelligence community while protecting constitutional rights.

EPA Administrator: Lee Zeldin

Former New York Representative Lee Zeldin has been nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Zeldin, a strong Trump supporter, has a history of opposing many environmental regulations, including clean air and clean water measures. In his announcement, Trump said Zeldin would “ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions,” while maintaining “the highest environmental standards.” Zeldin’s environmental record and low lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters could become focal points during his confirmation process.

All cabinet nominees must be confirmed by the Senate before they can formally take office. Senate hearings for the nominees are expected to begin after Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

Several other controversial figures have been appointed to key positions, but unlike cabinet nominees, they do not require Senate confirmation. These include:

Border Czar: Tom Homan

Former senior immigration official Tom Homan, who served as acting director of ICE during Trump’s first term, will return as the “Border Czar” in his second administration. Trump emphasized that Homan would be responsible for overseeing the deportation of illegal immigrants and enforcing stricter immigration laws. Homan has previously spoken about resuming aggressive immigration enforcement, including workplace raids that result in mass deportations.

Department of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy

In an unconventional move, Trump has announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, co-led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and 2024 Republican primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The department’s mandate will be to streamline government bureaucracy, slash regulations, and cut wasteful expenditures. Both Musk and Ramaswamy have been vocal Trump supporters, with Musk raising significant funds for Trump’s campaign and Ramaswamy advocating for the abolition of several federal agencies.

Cabinet Positions Still to Be Filled

As of the time of this publication, Trump has not yet named nominees for several key cabinet positions, including:

• Secretary of the Treasury

• Secretary of Agriculture

• Secretary of Commerce

• Secretary of Labor

• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

• Secretary of Transportation

• Secretary of Energy

• Secretary of Education

Other critical advisory and leadership roles, including the Chair of the Economic Advisers, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Science Adviser, Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and U.S. Trade Representative, have yet to be filled.