Trump Announces Key Nominees to Shape Housing Policy and Achieve US Energy Leadership
President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled new appointees to spearhead initiatives in energy and housing, underscoring their dedication to achieving energy dominance in the United States.
On January 16, President-elect Donald Trump revealed four prominent nominations for his administration, with three focused on shaping energy and national security policies, and one aimed at addressing housing challenges.
Trump shared these announcements via a series of posts on Truth Social, where he emphasized the nominees’ qualifications and reiterated his vision for U.S. energy leadership.
In his announcement, Trump commended Gil’s expertise as a successful businessman and scientist, noting his roles as chairman of the National Science Board and senior vice president and director of IBM Research. Gil holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT and previously served on the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology during Trump’s first term.
Williams brings significant experience in nuclear security, having served as a nuclear submarine officer and strategic missile officer in the U.S. Navy, which Trump highlighted in his announcement.
Griffith’s background includes roles such as senior advisor to the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and senior director for energy and environment on the National Security Council. He previously acted as assistant secretary for International Affairs at the DOE, where he played a key role in developing international energy partnerships.
Trump stated, “Wells will now work with our highly respected Secretary of Energy Nominee, Chris Wright, to DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and unleash American Energy Dominance.”
In November, Trump nominated Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy and a well-known figure in the fracking sector, to lead the DOE. During his Senate confirmation hearing on January 15, Wright elaborated on his energy policies, committing to enact Trump’s “bold energy agenda.”
“President Trump shares my passion for energy,” Wright remarked. “If confirmed, I will tirelessly implement his bold agenda as a staunch advocate for all forms of affordable, reliable, and secure American energy.”
Wright emphasized a comprehensive “all-of-the-above” strategy for energy development, pledging to maintain funding for research initiatives, streamline permitting protocols, promote natural gas exports, and expedite efforts to enhance the electric grid.
When confronted about his views on climate change, Wright acknowledged its existence but argued that it’s misguided to favor certain energy sources over others.
“There isn’t dirty energy or clean energy,” Wright asserted, emphasizing the need for various energy forms in the national energy mix, each with distinct trade-offs that policymakers must consider.
“Energy is essential for human life. Climate change presents a global challenge that we must address,” Wright stated. “How we balance these two aspects will shape the future of our world and our quality of life.”
In his capacity at the FHFA, Pulte could prioritize increasing the housing supply and enhancing affordability for homeownership. Bob Broeksmit, CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, expressed eagerness to collaborate with Pulte on various policies and initiatives of the incoming administration.
“We look forward to collaborating with him and the FHFA staff on policies and programs that will boost housing availability and create affordable options for homebuyers and renters while safeguarding taxpayer interests and ensuring a strong secondary mortgage market and Federal Home Loan Bank system for both single-family and multifamily lenders,” Broeksmit stated.
Broeksmit’s comments indicate that stakeholders are optimistic about Pulte’s ability to implement policies that expand housing opportunities, protect public funds, and uphold the stability of federal lending systems.