Possible Members of Donald Trump’s Top Team | US News

Following Donald Trump’s historic US election victory, the president-elect will now focus on selecting his administration for his second term in the White House.

Throughout his campaign, Mr Trump – set to become the 47th president of the United States after serving as the 45th – hinted at potential appointments without confirming any directly.

Announcements regarding Mr Trump’s choices for cabinet positions, administration roles, and advisors are expected in the coming days and weeks as his transition team readies for the return of Republicans to the White House in January.

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So, who is in the running for key positions? Here are the individuals being associated with roles.

Elon Musk

Tech magnate Elon Musk threw his support behind Mr Trump in the lead-up to the election, reportedly spending over $119m (£92m) supporting the campaign in key states.

Mr Trump has hinted at a role for Musk, promising him the leadership of a new Department of Government Efficiency (or DOGE) to streamline federal operations and finances, as announced at an event in September.

This move could grant Musk the authority to cut through bureaucratic hindrances that both he and Mr Trump see as impediments to America’s progress.

Robert F Kennedy Jr

Robert F Kennedy Jr set aside his independent presidential bid to support Mr Trump in August, a move that garnered criticism from his family members due to his stance on vaccines.

Mr Trump has alluded to a health policy role for Kennedy, who has hinted at advising all US water systems to remove fluoride from public water, potentially marking a significant policy change.

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Mr Kennedy – son of Robert F Kennedy and nephew of John F Kennedy – gained attention as a vaccine critic during the pandemic, persisting unsubstantiated claims like vaccines causing autism.

Don Jr, Eric and Lara Trump

During his first term, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner served as senior advisors to Mr Trump. The question now arises if any family members will keep advisory roles in his next term in office.

In 2023, Mr Trump expressed reluctance to have his children involved in a second administration due to the toll it takes on the family. While Ivanka and Kushner have distanced themselves from politics, Don Jr and Eric continue to have active roles in the campaign.

Lara Trump, Eric’s wife, already holds a significant position within the Republican Party as co-chair.

Mike Pompeo

Ex-CIA director and secretary of state Mike Pompeo is a leading candidate for roles in defense, national security, intelligence, or diplomacy given his close ties to Mr Trump and his staunch support for Ukraine.

Congressman Mike Waltz and Senator Tom Cotton are also rumored contenders for defense positions.

Richard Grenell

Foreign policy advisor Richard Grenell is a possible choice for national security adviser due to his experience and relationships with foreign leaders, despite his controversial persona.

Mr Grenell has backed proposals like creating an autonomous zone in eastern Ukraine to end the conflict, a suggestion rejected by Kyiv.

Larry Kudlow

Former National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow, known for his Fox News appearances, is a contender for treasury secretary in the upcoming administration.

Billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson and former national security adviser Robert O’Brien are also names in consideration for the role.

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