President-elect Donald Trump finalized a series of high-profile nominations for his administration, targeting key positions in health, national security, and domestic policy. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat was tapped for U.S. Surgeon General, recognized for her frontline work during the COVID-19 pandemic and contributions to Operation Warp Speed.
Trump also named Dr. Dave Weldon, a seasoned healthcare provider and former congressman, as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon brings decades of experience and a focus on revamping the CDC’s disease prevention strategies.
In another critical health appointment, Trump selected Dr. Marty Makary to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A surgeon and professor at Johns Hopkins University, Makary is noted for his opposition to vaccine mandates and his assertion that COVID-19 resulted from a lab leak in China.
These health-related appointments suggest a strategy centered on re-establishing trust and addressing controversial topics in public health. U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer was chosen as Secretary of Labor, adding another notable figure to Trump’s team.
Trump Finalizes Cabinet Picks, Emphasizing Health Reform, National Security, and Urban Development
National security appointments include Alex Wong as principal deputy national security advisor and assistant to the president, marking his return to a familiar role from Trump’s first term.
Sebastian Gorka, who also served in Trump’s earlier administration, was named senior director for counter-terrorism and deputy assistant to the president. Gorka, known for his military expertise and media presence, is expected to bring a strong counter-terrorism focus to Trump’s security team.
In domestic policy, Scott Turner was named Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner, a former NFL player, previously led urban revitalization efforts under the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.
Brooke Rollins was appointed Secretary of Agriculture, an unexpected pick after former Senator Kelly Loeffler was widely considered a frontrunner. Rollins, CEO of the America First Policy Institute, has a strong background in economic policy and served on Trump’s Economic Advisory Council during his first term.
These appointments complete Trump’s 19-member Cabinet, blending experienced figures from his previous administration with new faces. The selections highlight priorities in healthcare reform, national security, and urban development. By entrusting key roles to individuals with extensive expertise, Trump has laid the foundation for an administration focused on addressing pressing national and international challenges.
