President-elect Donald Trump has announced a series of key appointments, including new leaders for prominent federal roles. Among these, Jay Clayton, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has been selected as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Trump praised Clayton as a highly respected figure in business, law, and public service, highlighting his prior success in chairing the SEC during Trump’s first term. In this role, Clayton will oversee a district known for its significant role in enforcing federal finance laws.
John Sauer has been appointed as the new Solicitor General, adding to the list of Thursday’s high-profile nominations. Trump described Sauer as a “masterful appellate attorney” with an impressive record, including a recent Supreme Court victory in Trump v. United States. Sauer’s expertise in appellate law and experience advocating on behalf of Trump are seen as valuable assets in his new role.
For the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Trump has nominated former congressman Doug Collins to serve as its leader. Collins is expected to bring his legislative experience and familiarity with veterans’ issues to the position. Meanwhile, Todd Blanche has been appointed as deputy attorney general in the Department of Justice, signaling a strategic approach to reinforcing key leadership in the Justice Department.
Finally, Trump announced the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of Health and Human Services. Known for his advocacy on health-related issues, Kennedy’s appointment underscores Trump’s intent to prioritize health reform under his administration. These appointments collectively reflect Trump’s strategy of selecting individuals with strong credentials and ties to his administration for pivotal federal roles.