President-elect Donald Trump made a series of key cabinet selections on November 13, 2024, as he moves forward in preparing for his upcoming administration. Among the notable picks are Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who will co-lead a new non-cabinet position, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
This department will focus on dismantling government bureaucracy, cutting wasteful expenditures, and restructuring federal agencies. Musk emphasized that the department’s findings will be made public for transparency, with a “leaderboard” for identifying the most wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars.
In military-related appointments, Trump selected Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Afghan war veteran, as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, who has earned multiple military honors, was praised by Trump for his toughness and dedication to the “America First” agenda.
Additionally, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was appointed as Secretary of Homeland Security, a position overseeing agencies like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and FEMA. Noem expressed enthusiasm for working alongside Border Czar Tom Homan to secure America’s borders and restore safety to communities.
Trump also named former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, who has a long-standing relationship with Israel and its people, was described by Trump as a tireless advocate for peace in the Middle East.
Another key appointment was Florida Congressman Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser. A retired Green Beret, Waltz has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s foreign policy and will now coordinate national security agencies and implement the administration’s policies.
Vivek Ramaswamy
John Ratcliffe, who served as Director of National Intelligence during Trump’s first term, was selected as CIA Director. Trump lauded Ratcliffe as a “fearless fighter” for constitutional rights and national security. In another significant foreign policy role, Trump appointed real estate investor Steven Witkoff as Special Envoy to the Middle East, praising his leadership in business and philanthropy.
Additionally, William McGinley, a legal advisor from Trump’s previous administration, was named White House Counsel, where he will focus on advancing the “America First” agenda and safeguarding election integrity.
Trump’s broader team continues to take shape with the appointment of Dan Scavino, Stephen Miller, and James Blair as White House Senior Staff. These individuals were key figures in Trump’s presidential campaigns, and Trump expressed confidence in their ability to continue his work in the White House.
Other appointments to the administration include Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff, Representative Elise Stefanik as Ambassador to the United Nations, and former Representative Lee Zeldin as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Trump’s expanding team signals his commitment to reshaping government structures and pursuing his agenda of strengthening national security and promoting American interests.
