As Donald Trump prepares for a potential return to the White House in January 2025, his transition team is actively vetting candidates for key positions in his second administration. While many figures from Trump’s first term are not expected to return, some loyalists and new faces are being considered for high-profile roles. Below are some of the prominent individuals being floated for top positions in the new administration:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Background: The environmental lawyer and son of the late Robert F. Kennedy has had a tumultuous political journey. Initially running as a Democrat, RFK Jr. became known for his controversial anti-vaccine stance and conspiracy theories, which led to widespread opposition from his family, who supported Joe Biden. He later switched to an independent candidacy but failed to gain significant traction. He eventually endorsed Trump during the 2024 election cycle.
Role: RFK Jr. has expressed interest in playing a significant role related to public health, particularly focusing on agencies like the CDC and FDA. In his campaign, he spearheaded the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Trump has promised to involve Kennedy in overseeing U.S. health agencies. RFK Jr. has suggested that he could take on a broader, more informal role within the White House, rather than a traditional cabinet position.
Notable Views: Kennedy has also made headlines for proposing the removal of fluoride from drinking water, a stance that has been challenged by public health experts. He denies being “anti-vaccine,” emphasizing that he wants to provide people with the best information to make their own decisions about vaccination.
Susie Wiles
Background: Susie Wiles is a seasoned political strategist and a key figure in Trump’s 2024 campaign, serving as co-manager. She is credited with masterminding Trump’s 2024 victory over Kamala Harris and has earned a reputation as one of the most respected political operatives in the country. Wiles has a long history of political work, including playing a crucial role in Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and later helping Rick Scott become Florida’s governor.
Role: Wiles has been confirmed as Trump’s incoming White House Chief of Staff—a major role in the administration and the first confirmed appointment for Trump’s second term. She will be the first woman to hold the position. Known for keeping a low profile and managing egos, Wiles is expected to bring order and structure to the White House, something that previous Chiefs of Staff struggled with in Trump’s first term. Her reputation as a tough, no-nonsense operator could help manage the internal dynamics of the administration.
Elon Musk
Background: Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has emerged as one of Trump’s most vocal and high-profile supporters, despite initially criticizing him in 2022. Musk has donated significant amounts to Trump’s political action committee, America PAC, and has become increasingly involved in supporting Trump’s platform, particularly around issues like illegal immigration and transgender rights.
Role: Musk is being considered for a new government agency—Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a proposal focused on cutting costs, reforming regulations, and reducing federal bureaucracy. The name “DOGE” is a playful nod to the popular meme cryptocurrency Musk has promoted. Musk has spoken about the need for government reforms, such as streamlining processes and removing inefficiencies, which aligns with his business philosophy and public persona as a disruptor of traditional industries.
Notable Contributions: Musk has also been active in the campaign, launching a voter registration drive and offering a $1 million giveaway to random voters in swing states. His support for Trump appears to have solidified over the past two years, despite his past criticisms of the former president.
Mike Pompeo
Background: Pompeo, who served as CIA Director and Secretary of State under Trump’s first administration, is considered a strong candidate for a prominent role in the second term. A foreign policy hawk with staunch support for Israel, Pompeo was integral in moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and played a key role in the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Role: Pompeo is widely rumored to be a top contender for Secretary of Defense. His experience in foreign policy and national security, coupled with his loyalty to Trump, positions him as a strong candidate for this high-profile position. Another possibility is a return to the CIA, given his background in intelligence.
Notable Views: Pompeo has been a loyal defender of Trump, even during the latter’s false claims of election fraud. He is known for his hardline approach to foreign policy and is a fierce advocate for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
Richard Grenell
Background: Grenell is a former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, acting Director of National Intelligence, and a key figure in Trump’s foreign policy team. He was also heavily involved in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in swing states like Nevada. Grenell has been an outspoken advocate for Trump’s “America First” foreign policy and was known for his aggressive stance on diplomacy and intelligence operations.
Role: Grenell is a contender for either Secretary of State or National Security Advisor, both of which are key positions in shaping U.S. foreign policy. He is particularly well-regarded for his work in the Balkans and his efforts in facilitating diplomacy between Kosovo and Serbia. Grenell’s loyalty to Trump makes him a prime candidate for these important roles.
Notable Views: Grenell has been involved in controversial foreign policy proposals, including advocating for an autonomous zone in eastern Ukraine, which was criticized by Ukraine but in line with Trump’s vow to end the war quickly upon taking office.
Karoline Leavitt
Background: Leavitt, a rising star in Republican politics, served as the national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 campaign. She is a former assistant press secretary in Trump’s first White House. Leavitt also ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022 but did not win. She is known for her strong communication skills and her ability to effectively engage with the media.
Role: Leavitt is considered a top contender for White House Press Secretary, a key role in any administration. If appointed, she would be the public-facing spokesperson for the White House, responsible for handling the media and addressing public concerns.
Notable Contributions: Leavitt is a Gen Z Republican and a vocal supporter of Trump’s policies. Her energy and youth make her a standout figure among the new generation of Trump loyalists.
Tom Homan
Background: Homan served as the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term, where he gained notoriety for his hardline stance on immigration. He advocated for the separation of migrant children from their families as a deterrent against illegal crossings. Homan has been a key figure in Trump’s immigration policies and continues to be involved in shaping the former president’s immigration agenda.
Role: Homan is rumored to be a candidate for Secretary of Homeland Security. His strong stance on immigration enforcement and border security, coupled with his experience leading ICE, makes him a natural fit for this role.
Notable Views: Homan is known for his tough rhetoric on immigration and for advocating mass deportations. He has played a major role in shaping Trump’s immigration policy, and his experience in law enforcement would be valuable in a second term focused on tightening border security.
