WASHINGTON: After his victory in the presidential election, Donald Trump is set to begin the process of selecting his cabinet members and other key administration officials in the coming weeks. As Trump prepares to take office, several prominent figures are being considered for top positions overseeing defense, diplomacy, and economic policy. Some of these people are being discussed for multiple high-profile roles, as the President-elect looks to build a team to help shape the future of his administration.
SCOTT BESSENT, Potential Treasury Secretary
Bessent, a key economic adviser to Donald Trump, is widely considered a leading contender for the position of Treasury Secretary. A seasoned hedge fund investor with a background teaching at Yale University, Bessent has built a strong rapport with the president-elect, positioning him as a trusted figure in shaping economic policy, Reuters reported.
JOHN PAULSON, Potential Treasury Secretary
Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund administrator and major Trump donor, is another top competitor for the post.
LARRY KUDLOW, Potential Treasury Secretary
Larry Kudlow, a familiar face on FOX Business Network and former director of the National Economic Council during Trump’s first term, is seen as a potential candidate for Treasury Secretary.
ROBERT LIGHTHIZER, Potential Treasury Secretary
Robert Lighthizer, who served as Trump’s U.S. trade representative for essentially the then-president’s entire tenure, he will almost be invited back.
HOWARD LUTNICK, Potential Treasury Secretary
The longtime CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, Lutnick is in the running for post.
ROBERT O’BRIEN, Potential Secretary of State
O’Brien, Trump’s final national security adviser (NSA) during his first tenure, maintains a close ties with Trump, and often speak on national security affairs. O’Brien is likely in the running for post or other top foreign policy and national security posts. He has maintained close contacts with foreign leaders since Donald Trump left White House. Reuters reported that his views are somewhat more hawkish than some of Trump’s advisers.
BILL HAGERTY, Potential Secretary of State
An American senator from Tennessee who had worked on Trump’s 2016 transition effort, Hagerty is considered a top candidate for the post.
MARCO RUBIO, Potential Secretary of State
Rubio, a U.S. law maker from Florida and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, is also a top diplomat contender whose policies cut closely to those of Trump.
MIKE POMPEO, Potential Defense Secretary
Pompeo, who served as secretary of state during Trump’s first tenure, is also considered a top candidate for secretary of defense.
MIKE WALTZ, Potential Defense Secretary
Mike Waltz is widely considered to be a serious competitor for secretary of defense.
TOM COTTON, Potential Defense Secretary
A Harvard College and Harvard Law School-educated US senator from Arkansas, Cotton is well-liked among Trump donors and is a contender for secretary of defense.
