RFK Jr, Hegseth, Dr Oz—And Gaetz Is Out

Topline

Matt Gaetz has withdrawn from consideration as legal professional common amid swirling sexual misconduct allegations, ending one in every of President-elect Donald Trump’s most controversial Cupboard picks—as nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio and Tulsi Gabbard put together for the affirmation course of.

Key Information

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Legal professional Normal: Unclear

Matt Gaetz took his title out of consideration, and it’s not clear who Trump will select as an alternative. Earlier this week, The New York Occasions’ Maggie Haberman reported Trump’s private legal professional Todd Blanche—whom Trump selected for deputy legal professional common—might be a backup. Earlier than Gaetz was chosen, names into account reportedly included attorneys Mark Paoletta and Robert Giuffra, Texas Legal professional Normal Ken Paxton, Missouri Legal professional Normal Andrew Bailey, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.—although Lee and Schmitt have advised they aren’t . Former Rep. John Ratcliffe, former appearing Legal professional Normal Matthew Whitaker and former Securities and Trade Fee chair Jay Clayton had been additionally reportedly within the combine, however they’ve since been provided different administration jobs. Federal Decide Aileen Cannon—identified for her controversial dealing with of Trump’s felony fees for dealing with labeled paperwork—was floated earlier than the election. Legal professional Normal is among the most high-profile and extremely anticipated appointments, as Trump has fiercely criticized the company for prosecuting him and is anticipated to drastically change its make-up—and probably push for retribution towards his opponents.

Treasury Secretary: Unclear

Trump hasn’t nominated anybody but, however Apollo World Administration CEO Marc Rowan and former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh have emerged in current days as potential picks. Hedge fund government Scott Bessent—who spoke just lately with Forbes—has lengthy been seen as one of many prime selections. Musk appeared to help Lutnick over Bessent, saying Bessent can be a “business-as-usual alternative” whereas Lutnick “will really enact change.” Trump is leaning towards somebody with Wall Road expertise, Bloomberg reported. Sen. Invoice Hagerty, R-Tenn., former ambassador to Japan below Trump, can also be on the speculative quick listing, together with former Trump-era U.S. Commerce Consultant Robert Lighthizer.

Secretary Of Protection: Pete Hegseth

Trump chosen Pete Hegseth as his secretary of protection, praising his standing as a fight veteran and function as a co-host on Fox & Associates Weekend. Revelations subsequently emerged that Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting a girl at a Monterey, California, lodge in 2017. The Monterey Police Division confirmed in an announcement that it investigated the incident, however didn’t convey fees. Hegseth has denied the allegations by means of his legal professional, Timothy Parlatore, who advised a number of retailers final week he paid his accuser a settlement to keep away from a lawsuit over the matter.

Well being And Human Companies Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to steer the Well being and Human Companies Division, making good on his promise to present Kennedy broad leeway over public well being. Kennedy, who ran for the Democratic nomination then as an impartial candidate earlier than dropping out and endorsing Trump, espouses debunked views on public well being—together with skepticism in regards to the efficacy of childhood vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine. He has additionally advocated for eradicating fluoride from public water, an thought Trump stated he as open to. As HHS secretary, Kennedy would oversee 13 public health-related companies, and has expressed plans to upend a lot of them, telling an viewers at a convention in November he would halt infectious illness research on the Nationwide Institutes of Well being if given a task within the Trump administration. “I’m going to say to NIH scientists, God bless you all . . . thanks on your public service,” NBC reported. The shock choice drew criticism from many Democrats, and a few Republicans expressed wariness in regards to the decide. Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence spoke towards Kennedy because the decide to steer HHS in an announcement and urged Senate Republicans to reject the nomination, citing Kennedy’s help of abortion rights.

Secretary Of State: Marco Rubio

Trump nominated Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as secretary of state. Rubio and Trump feuded after they each ran for president in 2016, however the two smoothed over their relationship throughout Trump’s most up-to-date White Home run. Rubio regularly campaigned for Trump and was stated to be within the working to be his vice presidential decide. A few of Rubio’s overseas coverage stances break with Trump, together with his co-sponsorship of laws final 12 months that may prohibit a president from exiting NATO with out congressional approval. Rubio can be the primary Latino to carry the place, which is topic to Senate affirmation. Forbes estimated Rubio’s internet price at over $1 million—considerably lower than another members of Trump’s inside circle, however a leap since 2015, when he was price simply $100,000.

Director Of Nationwide Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

Trump introduced Tulsi Gabbard will function his Director of Nationwide Intelligence, a task that places her on the head of the U.S. intelligence group. Gabbard is a former Democratic consultant from Hawaii and a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, maybe best-known for clashing with Kamala Harris on the controversy stage in 2019. She left the occasion in 2022 and have become an impartial, earlier than endorsing Trump in August and asserting she had joined the Republican Social gathering. A critic of U.S. army interventions, Gabbard has drawn intense scrutiny for her overseas coverage views, together with for assembly with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017.

Schooling Secretary: Linda Mcmahon

Trump tapped former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as secretary of the Division of Schooling in an announcement Tuesday. McMahon is Trump’s transition co-chair alongside Lutnick and served because the administrator of the Small Enterprise Administration from 2017 to 2019. The nomination got here after Lutnick was picked as commerce secretary over McMahon, who was “privately annoyed” she was not provided the place earlier than Lutnick was tapped for it, Semafor reported, citing two unnamed folks conversant in the matter. McMahon can also be the America First Coverage Institute’s board chair, serving to lead the suppose tank that has raised hundreds of thousands in help of Trump, in accordance with CNN.

Commerce Secretary: Howard Lutnick

Howard Lutnick is Trump’s decide for commerce secretary, Trump confirmed Tuesday—selecting him for the commerce function as an alternative of treasury secretary. Trump, in an announcement, referred to as Lutnick “the embodiment of resilience within the face of unspeakable tragedy,” referencing his charitable contributions to 9/11 households after 658 Cantor Fitzgerald staff, together with Lutnick’s brother, died within the Sept. 11 terrorist assaults, whereas Lutnick was CEO. Lutnick, who rebuilt the corporate after 9/11, has spent his total profession at Cantor Fitzgerald and have become president and CEO of the monetary providers agency on the age of 29. His particular functions acquisition firm, Cantor Fitzgerald Acquisition Corp., took the Rumble video platform standard amongst right-wing influencers public in 2022. As commerce secretary, Lutnick will play a task in implementing Trump’s plans for steeper tariffs and he has expressed broad help for the proposal. Lutnick was beforehand into account for treasury secretary—sometimes a extra outstanding Cupboard job—and earned help from Musk and Kennedy, however Trump in the end turned his consideration to different candidates after he reportedly turned aggravated with Lutnick’s aggressive marketing campaign for the treasury function.

Homeland Safety Secretary: Kristi Noem

Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for the function of secretary of the Division of Homeland Safety. Noem is a long-time Trump loyalist who was believed be a contender for Vice President. The appointee might be important in finishing up Trump’s aggressive immigration plans, along with the company’s duties surrounding cybersecurity, antiterrorism and emergency response.

Facilities For Medicare And Medicaid Companies Administrator: Mehmet Oz

Trump introduced Tuesday that Mehmet Oz, the celeb physician who misplaced his 2022 Senate bid to Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., will fill the function. Oz will work carefully with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who Trump introduced final week as his decide for Well being and Human Companies secretary. Oz’s rise to fame is essentially tied to his frequent appearances on the Oprah Winfrey present within the early 2000s and his personal subsequent daytime speak present. He’s accused of espousing questionable medical claims, together with selling the debunked principle that the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine might deal with Covid-19, and pushing so-called miracle weight reduction merchandise unsupported by scientific analysis. Trump endorsed Oz in his 2022 Senate marketing campaign.

Chief Of Workers: Susie Wiles

Trump named his marketing campaign co-manager Susie Wiles chief of workers two days after his election win, marking his first main administrative decide. Wiles would be the first lady to carry the place.

Division Of Authorities Effectivity: Elon Musk And Vivek Ramaswamy

Trump introduced Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, will run a brand new Division of Authorities Effectivity (or “DOGE”) alongside investor and former Republican main candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump stated in an announcement the division—which has not but been created—will supply “recommendation and steering from exterior of Authorities” and deal with “making adjustments to the Federal Forms with a watch on effectivity,” together with by means of spending and regulatory cuts. Musk, a vocal Trump backer who donated over $100 million to a pro-Trump tremendous PAC, has pitched the division up to now, seemingly naming it after the meme cryptocurrency dogecoin.

Homeland Safety Adviser And Deputy Chief Of Workers For Coverage: Stephen Miller

Trump introduced Stephen Miller as White Home Deputy Chief of Workers for Coverage, plus the extra function of homeland safety adviser. Miller was a senior adviser to Trump throughout his first administration and one of many architects of a few of his most controversial immigration insurance policies, together with his household separation program.

Border Czar: Tom Homan

Trump appointed his former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan to newly created function, he introduced, as Trump plans a mass deportation of undocumented migrants throughout his second time period.

Nationwide Safety Adviser: Mike Waltz

Trump appointed Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., to function his nationwide safety adviser. In current months, Waltz—a former Military Inexperienced Beret—has regularly criticized China, urged NATO members to pay extra for protection and stated he expects Trump to push Ukraine and Russia towards a negotiated finish to the struggle in Ukraine.

Inside Secretary: Doug Burgum (and Head Of New Nationwide Power Council)

Trump nominated North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as secretary of the inside. If confirmed by the Senate, he’ll be liable for managing huge swaths of federally owned land, administering nationwide parks and dealing with oil and gasoline drilling on federal property—which Trump has vowed to ramp up. Trump additionally tapped Burgum as chairman of the brand new Nationwide Power Council, which is able to minimize down on rules and “oversee the trail to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE,” in accordance with Trump. The place may also present Burgum a seat on the Nationwide Safety Council. First elected North Dakota governor in 2016, Burgum briefly ran towards Trump within the 2024 GOP primaries, however dropped out and endorsed Trump. A tech government and investor by commerce, Burgum beforehand ran Nice Plains Software program, remaining on the firm after it was acquired by Microsoft. Final 12 months, Forbes estimated his internet price at not less than $100 million.

Power Secretary: Chris Wright

Chris Wright, chief government of the oilfield providers group Liberty Power, was named Trump’s nominee for secretary of vitality. Wright has argued towards local weather change’s function in inflicting excessive climate occasions, saying in a video posted to LinkedIn final 12 months “there isn’t any local weather disaster, and we’re not within the midst of an vitality transition both.” He later disputed he was “[fighting] local weather science,” regardless of saying the claims he made had been “appropriate.”

Transportation Secretary: Sean Duffy

Trump nominated former Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wisc., as secretary of transportation, lauding his time in Congress and his function as a member of the Home Monetary Companies Committee. Following his resignation from Congress in 2019, Duffy registered as a lobbyist and continued spending marketing campaign funds on Trump’s D.C. lodge. The marketing campaign spent greater than $22,000 at Trump’s D.C. lodge between 2017 and 2020, $17,000 of which was spent in a single day in July 2019. Duffy is a co-host of Fox Enterprise’ “The Backside Line” and has contributed to Fox Information since 2020. He’s married to “Fox & Associates Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy.

Veterans Affairs Secretary: Doug Collins

Trump picked former Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., as his secretary for veterans affairs. Collins served as a congressman from 2013 to 2021, and was generally known as a vocal backer of Trump within the chamber throughout his first administration. He’s additionally a chaplain in the USA Air Power Reserve Command. Collins vowed to “streamline and minimize rules within the VA, root out corruption, and guarantee each veteran receives the advantages they’ve earned.” The previous congressman was deployed to Iraq in 2008 as a member of the Air Power’s 94th Airlift Wing.

Cia Director: John Ratlciffe

Former Director of Nationwide Intelligence John Ratcliffe will function CIA director. A former Texas congressman, Ratcliffe served because the director of nationwide intelligence from 2020 to 2021 and acted as Trump’s main intelligence adviser throughout his final presidency. Throughout his time as director of nationwide intelligence, Ratcliffe declassified unverified Russian intelligence data that claimed Hillary Clinton authorized a plan to hyperlink Trump to Russia and the Democratic Nationwide Committee cyberattacks in 2016. Democrats criticized Ratcliffe’s choice to publicly launch the data, alleging he was politicizing unverified data to assist Trump.

Environmental Safety Company Administrator: Lee Zeldin

Trump tapped former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., to steer the EPA, citing his “very robust authorized background” and calling him “a real fighter for America First insurance policies” in an announcement. Zeldin—a Trump ally who ran for New York governor two years in the past—“will guarantee honest and swift deregulatory choices that might be enacted in a technique to unleash the ability of American enterprise whereas on the similar time sustaining the very best environmental requirements,” the assertion stated.

Fcc Chair: Brendan Carr

Trump named Brendan Carr to chair the Federal Communications Fee. Carr has served as one of many FCC’s 5 commissioners since 2017, when Trump first appointed him to the company. He’s generally known as a critic of huge tech firms, writing a chapter of the controversial Mission 2025 agenda—which Trump has broadly disavowed—that argued the FCC ought to slim the immunity loved by tech platforms and require firms to be clear about their content material moderation choices. He’s additionally used his platform on the FCC to again Musk. He’ll take over the FCC as Trump pushes the company to revoke the licenses of broadcast TV stations whose protection he claims is unfair—although that might be very tough in follow.

Un Ambassador: Elise Stefanik

Trump nominated GOP Convention Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., for the United Nations ambassador function. Stefanik is named a staunch Trump ally.

Particular Envoy To The Center East: Steven C. Witkoff

Trump tapped Steven Witkoff, a GOP donor and actual property investor, for particular envoy to the Center East. Witkoff is chairman of the College of Miami Enterprise College Actual Property Advisory Board and the CEO of Witkoff, an actual property agency he based in 1997. He’s additionally a longtime pal of Trump’s and one of many president-elect’s golf companions. Witkoff was with Trump through the obvious second assassination try on his life, telling NBC that Secret Service brokers dived on Trump and acquired him off his Florida golf course in below 20 seconds.

U.s. Nato Ambassador: Matthew Whitaker

Trump introduced on Wednesday Matthew Whitaker will function the official U.S. consultant to NATO. Whitaker was the previous U.S. appearing legal professional common appointed after former Legal professional Normal Jeff Periods resigned and earlier than former Legal professional Normal William Barr was sworn in throughout Trump’s first time period. Whitaker oversaw the DOJ throughout former Particular Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference within the 2016 election and was closely scrutinized by Democrats over whether or not he sought to intrude within the probe on Trump’s behalf, allegations he denied. Whitaker regularly seems on Fox Information as an advocate for Trump, defending his choice to faucet Gaetz as legal professional common final week and broadly criticizing the Justice Division over its numerous investigations into Trump’s conduct.

Ambassador To Israel: Mike Huckabee

Trump introduced former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as his envoy to Israel final week, touting his army service as he served within the Military Particular Forces for 27 years. Huckabee is a staunch supporter of Israel and has criticized the Biden administration’s requires a cease-fire with Hamas. Huckabee has advocated for Israel to annex components of the West Financial institution, which Israel occupied in 1967, and has backed Israeli settlers within the territory. A former Southern Baptist pastor, Huckabee commonly leads evangelicals on visits to Israel.

White Home Press Secretary: Karoline Leavitt

Karoline Leavitt, the Trump marketing campaign’s nationwide press secretary, will function White Home Press Secretary as soon as the president-elect assumes his workplace. Leavitt, 27, was an assistant press secretary throughout Trump’s first presidency. She additionally received the Republican main in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District in 2022, changing into the second Gen Z candidate to win a Home main.

White Home Communications Director: Steven Cheung

Trump picked his marketing campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, to function his communications director on the White Home. Cheung was the director of communications for the president-elect’s 2024 presidential marketing campaign and served as director of strategic response throughout Trump’s final time period, after working in communications for the Final Combating Championship beforehand.

Different White Home Jobs

• High GOP lawyer William McGinley was chosen for White Home counsel, after beforehand working as Trump’s White Home cupboard secretary from 2017 to 2019, advising different cupboard members on coverage coordination, optics and ethics.
• Dan Scavino will return to his function as deputy chief of workers, after serving as a longtime Trump communications staffer (he was held in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify within the Home Jan. 6 committee investigation, however the Justice Division declined to prosecute him).
• James Blair will work as deputy chief of workers for legislative, political and public affairs, after spearheading Trump’s grassroots voter outreach efforts and making frequent media appearances.
• Taylor Budowich was picked for deputy chief of workers for communications and personnel, after working the Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. tremendous PAC.
• Trump is anticipated to call James Braid his director of legislative affairs, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources—Braid is Vice President-elect Sen. JD Vance’s former deputy chief of workers and labored within the Workplace of Administration and Price range throughout Trump’s first time period.
• Trump tapped William Scharf to be White Home workers secretary: Scharf, a former prosecutor who ran within the Republican main for Missouri legal professional common, was a part of Trump’s authorized staff that efficiently argued he has immunity from official acts he took throughout his first time period.
• Sergio Gor, president and co-founder of Donald Trump Jr.’s Successful Crew Publishing firm, has been tapped to steer the Presidential Personnel Workplace.

Different Justice Division Jobs

• Todd Blanche, Trump’s hush cash trial lawyer, was tapped because the president-elect’s deputy legal professional common. Blanche was lauded as “a superb legal professional who might be an important chief within the Justice Division,” which Trump has usually criticized all through his felony and civil circumstances.
• Trump picked one other of his attorneys, Emil Bove, as principal affiliate deputy legal professional common. Bove represented Trump alongside Blanche all through the hush cash trial and is a former federal prosecutor.
• Dean John Sauer was chosen for for solicitor common, after he was credited with serving to win Trump’s presidential immunity case, which resulted within the Supreme Court docket ruling that presidents have some immunity for official acts they absorb workplace. Sauer additionally served as solicitor common of Missouri for six years and clerked for late Supreme Court docket Justice Antonin Scalia.
• Securities and Trade Fee Chairman Jay Clayton was chosen as U.S. Legal professional for the Southern District of New York, extensively seen as probably the most prestigious prosecuting jobs as a result of high-profile circumstances filed within the district, which incorporates New York Metropolis.

Key Background

Trump decamped to Mar-a-Lago after his win, holding conferences together with his inside circle, administration hopefuls and transition staff to craft his second time period agenda and construct out his workers. Trump is shaping his second-term agenda with the assistance of a number of right-wing teams, his closest allies and billionaire backers. Musk, who has been noticed on quite a few events alongside Trump since his election, is amongst those that look like influencing Trump’s coverage and personnel choices. Lutnick can also be overseeing a staff making suggestions for personnel picks and vetting potential candidates, and Miller is anticipated to play a key function in making the ultimate choices. The fitting-wing suppose tank America First Coverage Institute is reportedly the first driver of Trump’s transition plans and has been crafting potential government actions for Trump as soon as he takes workplace. The group is chaired by McMahon and led by former Trump Home Coverage Counsel Director Brook Rollins.

Additional Studying

What We Know About Trump’s Potential Cupboard—With RFK Jr. And Elon Musk Amongst The Candidates (Forbes)

Who Will Assist Form Trump’s Coverage Agenda? Right here Are The Key Teams And Gamers (Forbes)

Stephen Miller Will Reportedly Lead Trump’s Coverage Agenda—Right here’s Who Else May Assist Him (Forbes)