November 6 marked yet another stunning comeback for Donald Trump, a man whose political career has been defined by astounding rebounds from seemingly insurmountable catastrophes. Certainly, his recent victory was not without its hurdles. Leading up to Election Day, Trump faced fierce opposition not only from the expected political adversaries but also from former members of his own administration, including his long-time chief of staff, Gen. John Kelly, and vice president, Mike Pence, both of whom publicly criticized his leadership. It’s no surprise then that Trump is paying extra attention to those whom he selects to become part of his second-term administration.
So far, Trump has made several selections that indicate the direction his new administration could take. However, many of these appointments will require Senate confirmation.
Here’s a look at the major appointments, nominations, and staffing moves announced–and what their roles could mean for the future of Trump’s presidency.
Susie Wiles
(does not require Senate confirmation)
Trump’s first appointee, Susie Wiles, will make history as the first woman to serve as White House Chief of Staff. Wiles is known for her behind-the-scenes influence and ability to successfully manage high-stakes campaigns, including Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2018 race. She led Trump’s campaign operations in Florida in 2016 and 2020 and became CEO of Trump’s Save America PAC in 2021, according to Fox News. Wiles is expected to bring strategic leadership to the White House, where she will steer the administration through its challenges with a steady hand.
Pete Hegseth
(requires Senate confirmation)
Trump nominated Pete Hegseth, Fox News host and combat veteran, as his Defense Secretary. Hegseth, who has served in the army in Afghanistan, Iraq, and at Guantanamo Bay, has built a career as a vocal advocate for veterans and national security. He is known for criticizing the U.S. military for being “too woke” and is expected to pursue more conservative policies, prioritizing national security concerns over social justice initiatives. Hegseth is likely to face one of the tougher Senate confirmation hearings due to his perceived inexperience on the global stage.
Kristi Noem
(requires Senate confirmation)
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been named Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem, a strong Trump ally, has a tough stance on immigration and has worked closely with Border Czar Tom Homan on border security. Known for opposing COVID-19 restrictions, Noem’s appointment signals a focus on national security and likely a crack down on the border.
Matt Gaetz
(requires Senate confirmation)
Trump has named Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz to U.S. Attorney General. Gaetz, a vocal advocate for Department of Justice reforms, is known for his staunch support of Trump, including during the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, according to The Washington Post. Although he has denied allegations of misconduct, Gaetz’s past has been clouded by an investigation into possible sex trafficking. His contentious reputation, even within his own party, could make his confirmation challenging.
Marco Rubio
(requires Senate confirmation)
Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been nominated as Secretary of State. Known for his hardline stance on China and Iran, Rubio is a vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. Although he initially criticized Trump in 2016, he endorsed him in 2024 and campaigned for his reelection, advocating for a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine.
John Ratcliffe
(requires Senate confirmation)
Trump has chosen John Ratcliffe, former Texas congressman and former Director of National Intelligence, to serve as the next Director of the CIA. Ratcliffe, a fierce Trump ally, previously led the nation’s intelligence agencies from 2020 to 2021, where he gained attention for releasing controversial intelligence, including claims about Russian interference in the 2016 election. Ratcliffe is expected to bring a strong, loyalty-driven focus to the CIA, aligning the agency more closely with Trump’s political and national security priorities.
William Joseph McGinley
(does not require Senate confirmation)
William Joseph McGinley has been appointed White House Counsel. McGinley, who served as Cabinet Secretary during Trump’s first term, brings a wealth of legal experience to the role, having recently worked as outside counsel for the Republican National Committee’s election integrity efforts. According to CNN, Trump has praised McGinley as a “smart and tenacious lawyer” who will help advance the “America First” agenda while combating what he described as the weaponization of law enforcement. He will focus on defending election integrity, countering perceived abuses of law enforcement, and providing legal guidance on key issues.
Lee Zeldin
(requires Senate confirmation)
Lee Zeldin, a former Republican congressman from New York, has been nominated as the next Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Zeldin, a lawyer and Army Reserve veteran, is expected to focus on rolling back regulations he sees as burdensome to businesses, while promoting U.S. energy dominance and job creation. His appointment signals a continued emphasis on deregulation and revitalizing American industry, alongside maintaining environmental protections.
Tulsi Gabbard
(requires Senate confirmation)
Trump has nominated Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman and Army National Guard veteran, to serve as Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, who became an independent in 2020 and joined the Republican Party in 2024, has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy and a strong advocate for national security. If confirmed, she will oversee the nation’s intelligence community with a focus on security and reform.
Elise Stefanik
(requires Senate confirmation)
Elise Stefanik, the Republican representative from New York, has been nominated by Trump to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik is known for her strong support of Israel, and she has risen through the ranks of House Republican leadership, currently serving as Chair of the House Republican Conference. According to The Washington Post, she has expressed disgust with the U.N., calling it “an absolute disgrace” and “cesspool of antisemitism.” Stefanik is expected to advocate for an “America First” agenda at the U.N. and is likely to challenge what she views as biased actions against Israel.
Tom Homan
(does not require Senate confirmation)
Tom Homan, a veteran law enforcement officer and former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been named Border Czar. With decades of experience in border security and immigration enforcement, Homan is expected to lead efforts to reduce illegal immigration, a key issue in Trump’s campaign.
Mike Waltz
(does not require Senate confirmation)
Donald Trump has selected Mike Waltz, a Republican congressman from Florida and Green Beret veteran, to serve as National Security Adviser. A member of the House’s China Task Force, along with the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence committees, Waltz is known for his aggressive stance with regards to China and Iran. He has expressed reservations about U.S. aid to Ukraine and has echoed Trump’s calls for European countries to contribute more to NATO.
