Donald Trump has pledged to implement quick and radical changes from day one upon his return to the White House on January 20. The individuals he has appointed to the most powerful positions share a common theme: loyalty to the leader. However, each person also brings their own ideas on how to enforce Trump’s policies.
We examine five factions entrusted with fulfilling some of his most discussed promises and ask experts to assess how effective or challenging these individuals might be.
Immigration: Tough Border Lines
One of Trump’s biggest campaign promises is securing the border and deporting individuals who entered the U.S. illegally. The largest deportation in U.S. history, which some polls suggest is gaining support, has been promised, but how it will work in practice, and how much it will cost, remains unclear.
Kristi Noem – Secretary of Homeland Security “No foreign national’s first act upon entering our country should be breaking the law.”
South Dakota’s governor Kristi Noem, a four-term congresswoman, gained national attention for her defiance of COVID-19 lockdowns and mask mandates. She was a vocal critic of President Biden’s border policies, rejecting Afghan refugees and sending National Guard members to Texas to aid with border protection. Her appointment will require Senate confirmation.
Tom Homan – Border Czar “This is the most significant national security vulnerability our nation has faced since 9/11, and we need to fix it.”
A former law enforcement officer with decades of experience, Homan once headed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He’s an early proponent of the controversial policy of separating children from their parents at the border, which became one of Trump’s most debated immigration policies.
Strong Border Push
Both Homan and Noem’s appointments indicate that Trump is serious about fulfilling his border promises. However, mass deportations and workplace raids could clash with Democratic-controlled states that may resist or refuse to cooperate. Republican states that depend on immigrant labor could also push back. Moreover, public opinion may turn against such policies, particularly if families are separated again or U.S. citizens are deported alongside their undocumented relatives.
Foreign Policy: Confronting China
Many conservatives view China as the greatest threat to the U.S.’s continued global dominance, both economically and militarily. While Trump has been cautious, mainly limiting his criticisms of China to trade, he is now filling his foreign policy team with vocal critics of China, likely to help implement his promise of high tariffs.
Marco Rubio – Secretary of State “The threat that will define this century is China. And we need a whole-of-society effort—not just the government—to adapt to them.”
A Florida senator since 2011, Cuban-American Rubio is a veteran public official with a hardline stance against Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and China. He is known for advocating a tough approach to Beijing.
Michael Waltz – National Security Advisor “Authoritarian regimes are emboldened by perceived weakness, whether rightly or wrongly—it’s the perception that matters. They are deterred by strength.”
A decorated veteran of U.S. special forces, Waltz is a Florida congressman who has been outspoken on China. He has also criticized the U.S. military’s focus on diversity and inclusion over combat readiness.
Crucial Relationship
Trump’s first term sparked a trade war with China, and he referred to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus.” However, his unpredictable nature could make managing the most important strategic relationship for the U.S. even harder. Rubio and Trump’s pick for National Intelligence Director, Tulsi Gabbard, might clash over foreign policy, especially with Gabbard’s non-interventionist views.
Efficiency: Cost Cutters
Trump has appointed two tech figures—Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy—to lead efforts to reduce government spending through a proposed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). Musk has suggested potential cuts worth up to $2 trillion, while Ramaswamy has called for the elimination of agencies like the IRS and the Department of Education.
Elon Musk – Government Efficiency “Threat to democracy? No, threat to BUREAUCRACY!!!”
The world’s wealthiest person, Musk is known for opposing perceived government over-regulation and his assertive social media presence. He has long resisted efforts to label his politics but has emerged as one of Trump’s biggest financial backers, pledging hundreds of millions for his re-election campaign.
Vivek Ramaswamy – Government Efficiency “FBI cannot be ‘reformed.’ The proper answer is to shut it down. Yes, the president can do that. I want to.”
An Indian-American multimillionaire, Ramaswamy made his fortune in biotechnology and asset management before running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. He supported Trump’s “America First” agenda, pushing for drastic government cuts, including eliminating agencies like the IRS.
Empowering Campaign Allies
These appointments recognize the help Trump received during his campaign from Musk and Ramaswamy. However, the effectiveness of DOGE remains uncertain as it isn’t an official government department and can only advise on spending, which Congress controls. Deep cuts may also conflict with other Trump promises, such as protecting Social Security and Medicare.
Disruptors: Challenging the Status Quo
Trump has appointed several individuals tasked with aggressively challenging the status quo. Among them are Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Department of Health and Human Services, and Tulsi Gabbard for National Intelligence Director.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Health and Human Services “Ultra-processed food is driving the obesity epidemic. When Trump returns to the White House, I’ll help fix our broken food system and make America healthy again.”
A longtime environmentalist from the famous Kennedy family, Kennedy lacks medical qualifications but would have broad responsibilities over U.S. health agencies, including overseeing vaccine approvals, which he has criticized. His unconventional views have won him public support, especially on food and additives.
Tulsi Gabbard – National Intelligence “Trump had the courage to meet with adversaries, dictators, allies, and partners in search of peace, viewing war as a last resort.”
A military veteran who served in Iraq, Gabbard was an outspoken critic of U.S. foreign policy, including meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. She has aligned with Trump after switching from the left-wing camp to being a vocal supporter of his agenda.
These appointments reveal Trump’s determination to make radical changes across various sectors, focusing on issues such as immigration, foreign policy, and government efficiency, while also promoting his allies in key positions. However, the impact of these choices will depend on their execution and potential clashes with existing policies and public opinion.
