Trump Selects 15 High-Profile Cabinet Nominees, Including Agriculture Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has finalised his Cabinet appointments, rounding out his selection of top officials for the incoming administration.

Swiftly and deliberately, Trump has named an eclectic mix of establishment figures and non-traditional choices to top positions, signalling a potentially transformative era for U.S. leadership. This rapid pace contrasts with the more gradual approach observed during his first presidential campaign 2016.

Diverse Ideologies Under MAGA Banner

Trump’s picks reflect a unique blend of ideologies that align with his overarching Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. From Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s pro-choice stance to Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s pro-union position, the Cabinet showcases many views, suggesting that Trump’s administration could challenge traditional party lines.

Marco Rubio – Secretary of State

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Former Florida Senator Marco Rubio, once a vocal critic of Trump, has been nominated as Secretary of State. Rubio’s robust foreign policy positions, including support for NATO and Israel and his advocacy for a strong U.S. global presence, make him a key figure in shaping America’s international relations under Trump’s administration. Rubio expressed his honour at the nomination, vowing to prioritise American interests on the global stage.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer – Labor Secretary

Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., participates in a House Transportation Committee hearing on June 27. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination as Labor Secretary marks a significant step for the administration, with strong backing from unions typically at odds with Republican ideologies. A former House Republican, Chavez-DeRemer has a pro-labour track record, having championed bills to protect union rights. Her selection has garnered praise from significant labour organisations, but some remain sceptical about her ability to advance labour causes in an administration traditionally seen as hostile to unions.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Secretary of Health and Human Services

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. waves to the crowd at a campaign rally for former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, Aug. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

A surprising nomination came from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was tapped for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, a former Democrat, is known for his pro-choice views, which have raised concerns among conservative Republicans. He has publicly supported abortion rights up to a certain point, aligning with a broader, emerging consensus on abortion access. While some Republicans are sceptical, others believe Kennedy will act according to Trump’s policy agenda.

Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense

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Combat veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was appointed Secretary of Defense. A vocal critic of the Biden administration’s national security policies, Hegseth’s selection brings military experience and a staunchly conservative perspective to the Pentagon. However, his nomination has faced scrutiny due to past allegations of sexual misconduct, though he has denied the accusations.

Pam Bondi – Attorney General

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In a swift move, Trump named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi his pick for Attorney General after Matt Gaetz withdrew his candidacy. According to the president-elect, Bondi, a loyal Trump ally, has been a vocal supporter of the administration’s legal battles and will seek to refocus the Department of Justice on its crime-fighting mandate.

Doug Burgum – Secretary of the Interior

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North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum was nominated as Secretary of the Interior, bringing his advocacy for fossil fuel production and energy independence to the department. Burgum, who has long supported Trump’s energy agenda, will also take on a new role as the head of the National Energy Council, which focuses on enhancing U.S. energy dominance and reducing regulatory barriers.

Scott Bessent – Treasury Secretary

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Trump’s choice for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, a former executive at Soros Capital Management, brings an economic policy background grounded in lower taxes, deregulation, and fiscal restraint. Bessent has long supported policies in line with Trump’s “Trumponomics,” which focuses on stimulating growth through tax cuts and deregulation. His selection was met with approval from business leaders and banking officials.

Brooke Rollins – Agriculture Secretary

Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of AFPI, during the America First Policy Institute’s America First Agenda Summit in 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Brooke Rollins, a Texas farm-raised policy expert with a background in agriculture and public policy, was chosen as Agriculture Secretary. Rollins previously worked in the Trump administration’s Office of American Innovation. She brings practical experience to the role, aiming to support the nation’s farmers and enhance agricultural policy in line with Trump’s America First agenda.

Scott Turner – Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Scott Turner at the America First Policy Institute’s America First Agenda summit in Washington, D.C., in 2022. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Former NFL player Scott Turner was appointed to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner, who served as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, will focus on urban revitalisation and housing reform efforts in distressed communities. His nomination reflects Trump’s ongoing commitment to improving opportunities for disadvantaged Americans.

Sean Duffy – Secretary of Transportation

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Former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy was selected to head the Department of Transportation. With experience in both Congress and as a media contributor, Duffy oversees the nation’s infrastructure and transportation systems. Trump’s vision for the department centres on innovation, safety, and improving the travel experience for all Americans.

Kristi Noem – Secretary of Homeland Security

Former President Trump listens as South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during the Buckeye Values PAC Rally in Vandalia, Ohio, March 16. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been tapped to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Known for her steadfast support of Trump, Noem will oversee critical agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Her appointment aligns with Trump’s focus on strengthening national security and border enforcement.

Chris Wright – Secretary of Energy

Liberty Oilfield Services Inc. CEO Chris Wright is at the centre on the New York Stock Exchange floor. (Reuters)

Chris Wright, founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, was named Secretary of Energy. Wright, an advocate for energy independence, brings extensive experience in the energy sector and a commitment to expanding the country’s oil and gas production. His leadership is expected to align with Trump’s push for greater energy dominance and reduced regulatory hurdles.

Linda McMahon – Secretary of Education

President Trump shakes hands with Linda McMahon, the outgoing administrator of the Small Business Administration, on March 29, 2019. (Reuters/Joshua Roberts)

Linda McMahon, co-chair of Trump’s transition team and a long-time GOP donor, has been nominated as Secretary of Education. A former WWE executive, McMahon brings a wealth of leadership experience and a personal interest in education reform. Her previous work with the Small Business Administration gives her a unique perspective on the role of education in workforce development.

Howard Lutnick – Commerce Secretary

Howard Lutnick, chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and co-chair of the Trump 2024 Transition Team, speaks during a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Oct. 17. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been tapped to lead the Department of Commerce. Lutnick’s role will include overseeing the administration’s trade policies and managing the nation’s tariff strategy. His experience as a businessman and critical Trump fundraiser positions him as pivotal in advancing the president-elect’s economic agenda.

Douglas Collins – Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., speaks during a campaign event in Buford, Ga., in 2020. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Former Georgia Congressman Douglas Collins, a Navy chaplain, has been appointed Secretary of Veterans Affairs. With a background in military service and advocacy for veterans’ issues, Collins is expected to push for reforms in how the U.S. supports active-duty service members and veterans. His nomination underscores the administration’s commitment to veterans’ care.