As Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election looks increasingly secure, the focus now shifts to the composition of his upcoming administration. In the weeks ahead, Trump will begin selecting key officials for his cabinet and other high-ranking positions. Here are some of the top contenders for major posts in defense, intelligence, diplomacy, trade, immigration, and economic policymaking.
Jamie Dimon – Potential Treasury Secretary
Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., is considered a leading candidate for Treasury Secretary. Known for his opposition to excessive regulations, Dimon would likely push for their rollback if appointed. Despite his private preference for former President Barack Obama’s administration, Dimon’s economic outlook aligns with Trump’s deregulation and tax-cut policies.
Scott Bessent – Potential Treasury Secretary
Scott Bessent, a former hedge fund investor and economic advisor to Trump, has been suggested as a strong candidate for Treasury Secretary. Bessent’s alignment with laissez-faire economics and his support for Trump’s tariff policies make him a fitting contender for the role.
John Paulson – Potential Treasury Secretary
Billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson, a significant donor to Trump, has expressed interest in becoming Treasury Secretary. Known for his advocacy of tax cuts and deregulation, Paulson shares similar views to other potential candidates on economic policies and the use of tariffs.
Larry Kudlow – Potential Treasury Secretary
Fox News personality Larry Kudlow, who served as director of the National Economic Council under Trump, is another candidate for Treasury Secretary. Though he has publicly shown some skepticism towards tariffs, Kudlow’s economic stance closely mirrors that of the president-elect.
Robert Lighthizer – Potential Treasury Secretary
Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, a strong advocate for tariffs and trade protectionism, is another possible candidate for Treasury Secretary. Having played a central role in Trump’s trade war with China, Lighthizer could return to the administration, potentially taking on the Treasury Secretary role or another key position.
Richard Grenell – Potential National Security Advisor
Richard Grenell, a close foreign policy advisor to Trump and former acting director of national intelligence, is considered a leading candidate for National Security Advisor. Known for his controversies and strong personality, Grenell’s position could be challenging during the Senate confirmation process, but the role does not require Senate approval.
Robert O’Brien – Potential Secretary of State
Robert O’Brien, Trump’s fourth national security advisor, maintains a close relationship with Trump and is considered for Secretary of State or another top national security post. His more hawkish views on military aid for Ukraine set him apart from some of Trump’s other advisors.
Bill Hagerty – Potential Secretary of State
U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee, a former U.S. ambassador to Japan, is a top contender for Secretary of State. His experience in international diplomacy and strong party support make him a solid candidate.
Marco Rubio – Potential Secretary of State
Senator Marco Rubio, a former presidential candidate and expert on Latin American affairs, is another prominent contender for Secretary of State. His longstanding involvement in foreign policy and strong connections within the Republican Party make him a likely choice.
Mike Waltz – Potential Defense Secretary
Florida Congressman Mike Waltz, a former Army Green Beret, is a leading contender for Defense Secretary. Known for his hawkish stance on China, Waltz has supported various China-related bills and is seen as a serious candidate for the position.
Mike Pompeo – Potential Defense Secretary
Former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is another top candidate for Defense Secretary. Known for his tough stance on national security and his previous leadership positions, Pompeo could play a key role in the administration’s foreign policy.
Tom Cotton – Potential Defense Secretary
Senator Tom Cotton, a Harvard-educated Army officer, is another potential candidate for Defense Secretary. A strong supporter of military aid for Ukraine, Cotton represents the hawkish wing of the Republican Party and could be a fitting choice for the role.
Keith Kellogg – Potential National Security Posts
Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who served as Chief of Staff to the National Security Council, is considered for various national security positions. His close relationship with Trump makes him a potential candidate for key roles in the administration.
Tom Homan – Potential Homeland Security Secretary
Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is a contender for Homeland Security Secretary. Known for his strict stance on immigration, Homan played a major role in Trump’s controversial policies, including family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Chad Wolf – Potential Homeland Security Secretary
Chad Wolf, a former acting Secretary of Homeland Security, could return to the role. His loyalty to Trump and his implementation of hardline immigration policies during his tenure make him a potential choice for the position.
Mark Green – Potential Homeland Security Secretary
Congressman Mark Green, a former Army flight surgeon and current chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, is a potential contender for Homeland Security Secretary. His strong legislative experience and immigration stance could make him a valuable asset in Trump’s administration.
John Ratcliffe – Potential Attorney General
Former Congressman John Ratcliffe, who served as Director of National Intelligence, is a leading candidate for Attorney General. Known for his strong loyalty to Trump, Ratcliffe could be a key figure in the president-elect’s legal team.
Mike Lee – Potential Attorney General
Senator Mike Lee from Utah is another potential candidate for Attorney General. A former prosecutor and staunch Trump ally, Lee played a key role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Susie Wiles – Potential Chief of Staff
Susie Wiles, one of Trump’s two co-campaign managers, is widely seen as a frontrunner for White House Chief of Staff. Known for her efficiency and organizational skills, Wiles could help restore order to an often-chaotic administration.
Brooke Rollins – Potential Chief of Staff
Brooke Rollins, former acting director of Trump’s Domestic Policy Council, is also a contender for Chief of Staff. Her close relationship with Trump and her moderate policy stance could make her a strong candidate for the role.
Kash Patel – Potential National Security Posts
Kash Patel, a former House staffer and national security official, is a loyal Trump ally with a controversial career. He is often mentioned as a potential candidate for CIA Director or other national security positions in the new administration.
These individuals represent a broad spectrum of policy views, but they all share one thing in common: strong loyalty to Trump and his vision for America. As the president-elect works to finalize his administration, these names are likely to play key roles in shaping the future of U.S. politics.
