As President-elect Donald Trump moves forward with preparations for his second term, he has begun naming key members of his administrative team, filling critical roles with a mix of loyal political associates and experienced advisers. These early appointments emphasize his focus on key policy areas such as immigration, national security, and energy independence—issues central to his 2024 campaign.
Trump has acknowledged that a significant mistake during his first term was selecting “bad, disloyal people,” and his new appointments reflect a shift towards building a team with more trusted, long-standing allies. Below is a rundown of some of the most notable selections for the incoming administration:
Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles
Susie Wiles, 67, a seasoned political strategist from Florida, has been tapped to serve as White House chief of staff. Wiles was a key architect of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, guiding him to victory in the Republican primaries. Her political career includes helping Governor Ron DeSantis win his gubernatorial race before taking charge of Trump’s own campaign. Wiles is known for her ability to work with Trump’s instincts, providing strategic advice that earned his trust throughout the campaign. Her role as chief of staff will be crucial in shaping the administration’s direction.
National Security Adviser: Mike Waltz
Mike Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and three-term Florida congressman, will take on the role of national security adviser. Waltz has extensive experience from his tours in Afghanistan and his service at the Pentagon. As national security adviser, he will address key global challenges, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine, relations with Russia and North Korea, and Middle Eastern conflicts such as the ongoing tensions between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
Border Czar: Tom Homan
Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan, 62, has been appointed as border czar. Homan will be tasked with overseeing a comprehensive deportation program, continuing his hardline stance on immigration that earned him praise from conservatives but drew heavy criticism from Democrats. His appointment signals Trump’s commitment to enforcing strict border security policies.
United Nations Ambassador: Elise Stefanik
Rep. Elise Stefanik, 40, a staunch Trump ally and rising star in the Republican Party, has been chosen as the new U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik, currently the third-ranking member in House GOP leadership, is known for her unwavering support of Trump, including during his first impeachment. Her leadership in addressing issues such as campus antisemitism has made her a prominent figure in U.S. politics.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy: Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller, 39, a former senior adviser and a key architect of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, will serve as deputy chief of staff for policy. Miller currently leads America First Legal, an organization focused on challenging policies related to free speech and national security. His return to the White House signals a continued emphasis on immigration reform and national security issues.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator: Lee Zeldin
Lee Zeldin, 44, a former New York congressman, has been appointed to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although Zeldin does not have extensive environmental expertise, he has pledged to focus on American energy independence while ensuring that environmental standards are maintained. His nomination highlights Trump’s continued commitment to reducing regulatory barriers to energy production.
Trump’s appointments thus far underscore a strategic effort to build a team that aligns with his policies from his first term while emphasizing loyalty and efficiency in areas central to his 2024 agenda. As more positions are filled, the administration’s direction on both domestic and foreign policy will continue to take shape.
