law-and-government

Trump’s New Cabinet Picks : An Overview of Their Appointment

President-elect Donald Trump is all set to take charge for his second term in 2025. He has announced a selection of his cabinet members, a group that includes experienced bureaucrats, seasoned politicians, and business executives. Some of them are familiar faces from his first term, while others are new appointees. The Senate hearings for his Cabinet picks have officially begun. The confirmation of these nominees will set the stage for potentially shaping the nation’s policies for years to come. He is committed to his vision and expects these key figures to play a critical role in shaping the administration’s policy and priorities. Trump has emphasized loyalty and alignment with his policy objectives when choosing his cabinet.

Ministries Overview with Scheduled Senate hearings

A number of Trump’s Cabinet picks have appeared at Senate hearings and formally testified before the committees that oversee the agencies they are being appointed to lead. Here’s an overview of their ministries and the Senate hearing schedule so far, in Eastern Time:

Pete Hegseth, Department of Defence

On Tuesday at 0930 hours, An Army National Guard combat veteran appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for the post of Secretary of Defence. Many senators have already questioned his fitness for the role due to allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. The Pentagon chief plays a key role in managing and overseeing its operations, decisions, and strategies.

Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Department

The governor of South Dakota appeared before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on Wednesday. The rancher and former congresswoman will take the helm of one of the largest government agencies. The Homeland Security Department is likely to play a key role in helping Trump keep his promise to strengthen border security and carry out a large-scale deportation effort.

Sean Duffy, Transportation Department

The former Wisconsin congressman, who was also a co-host on Fox Business, was questioned by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The department is responsible for regulating pipelines, railroads, cars, trucks, airlines, and public transit systems. It also manages funding for highways.

John Ratcliffe, CIA

Ratcliffe, who served as the director of national intelligence during the last months of Trump’s first term, has appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The former Texas congressman is set to take charge of the country’s top intelligence agency, which handles secret operations abroad and gathers information on U.S. enemies.

Marco Rubio, State Department

The Florida senator has been a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is currently reviewing his nomination for secretary of state. If confirmed, Rubio would lead the State Department, managing the U.S. Foreign Service, advising Trump on diplomatic appointments, and representing the administration in talks with foreign leaders.

Chris Wright, Energy Department

The fossil fuel executive, a strong critic of efforts to combat climate change, has appeared before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The secretary is responsible for managing energy production and consumption in the U.S., along with overseeing the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. If confirmed along with other cabinet picks, Wright would also serve alongside Burgum on the National Energy Council.

Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget

Vought, who served as OMB director during Trump’s first term, has appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He played a key role in Project 2025, a conservative plan for Trump’s second term that the Republican nominee sought to distance himself from during the campaign. As budget director, Vought is responsible for shaping the president’s budget and reviewing proposed regulations.

Doug Burgum, Interior Department

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will review the former governor of North Dakota and businessman for his nomination as interior secretary. It is the key position responsible for managing U.S. public lands. After dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, Burgum endorsed Trump and actively campaigned for him. Trump has also appointed him to lead the National Energy Council, with a focus on achieving U.S. “energy dominance” globally.

Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Department

The former NFL player, who led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term, has testified at a hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. Turner is also a professional mentor, pastor, and former member of the Texas House of Representatives. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for meeting the nation’s housing needs, enforcing fair housing laws, and overseeing housing for America’s poorest citizens.

Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency

The former New York congressman is testifying before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. His nominated agency oversees environmental protection, conducts assessments, research, and education. It also sets and enforces national standards.

Pam Bondi, Justice Department

The former Florida attorney general has made two planned appearances before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She was selected by Trump to be attorney general shortly after his initial nominee, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration due to a federal sex trafficking investigation and an ongoing House Ethics Committee inquiry.

Scott Bessent, Treasury Department

The billionaire investor from South Carolina is answering questions from the Senate Finance Committee. If confirmed, Bessent would become the first openly LGBTQ person to hold a Senate-confirmed Cabinet position in a Republican administration. As treasury secretary, Bessent would help shape financial, economic, and tax policies while also overseeing the management of the national debt.

Doug Collins, Department of Veterans Affairs

The former Georgia congressman is testifying before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on 21st January. Collins is a Baptist minister, a former U.S. Navy chaplain, and an Air Force Reserve colonel. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for providing healthcare to former members of the U.S. military.

Trump’s Controversial Cabinet Picks

Not all of Trump’s Cabinet Picks have scheduled hearings yet, including several of the more controversial picks:

Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Department

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence

Howard Lutnick, Commerce Department

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Department

Linda McMahon, Education Department

Kash Patel, FBI

Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Department

Elise Stefanik, U.N. ambassador