Trump 2.0: Key contenders aim for top positions in his second term

Following his recent election victory, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to begin selecting his Cabinet and key administration officials in the coming weeks as he prepares for his second term in the White House.
Here is the list of some top candidates for prominent positions in defense, intelligence, diplomacy, trade, immigration and economic policy.

Scott Bessent

Bessent is considered the top candidate for Treasury Secretary, is an experienced hedge fund investor and a close economic advisor to Trump. Bessent, known for his support of laissez-faire policies, also supports Trump’s approach to tariffs, which he calls a powerful negotiating tool and part of an economic philosophy based on skepticism about regulations and international trade.

John Paulson

Another leading candidate for treasury secretary, billionaire hedge fund manager and prominent Trump donor Paulson, has expressed interest in the job. A long-time supporter of tax cuts and deregulation, Paulson supports the use of tariffs to protect U.S. interests, particularly with regard to national security and combating unfair trade practices.

Larry Kudlow

Kudlow, former director of the National Economic Council under Trump, could also be considered for Treasury secretary, although he is publicly less enthusiastic about sweeping tariffs. Kudlow’s alignment with Trump’s economic policies keeps him in the running for other business-focused roles.

Robert Lighthizer

Lighthizer, a loyalist who served as Trump’s trade representative, could reprise his former role or run for Treasury secretary. Lighthizer, known for his strong trade stance and advocacy for tariffs, was a key figure in Trump’s trade war with China and the renegotiation of NAFTA.

Howard Lutnick

Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and co-chair of Trump’s transition team, is another Treasury secretary hopeful. A strong supporter of Trump’s economic policies, including tariffs, he is known for his bold views on possible policies for a second term.

Richard Grenell

Probably under consideration National Security AdvisorGrenell was acting director of national intelligence and US ambassador to Germany. Although his approach has sparked some controversy, Grenell was a close foreign policy adviser to Trump and advocated, among other things, for an autonomous zone in eastern Ukraine.

Robert O’Brien

O’Brien, Trump’s last national security adviser in his first term, is a possible candidate for secretary of state. His more hawkish views include supporting military aid to Ukraine and a ban on TikTok in the US

Bill Hagerty

A U.S. senator and former ambassador to Japan, Hagerty is considered a likely candidate for secretary of state and enjoys strong support within Republican ranks. His policies largely mirror those of Trump, and he notably rejected a large military aid package for Ukraine earlier this year.

Marco Rubio

Senator Rubio is also running for Secretary of State. With his extensive experience in foreign policy and his close alignment with Trump’s policies, he remains a leading candidate for the role.

Mike Waltz

A former Green Beret representative and current U.S. congressman, Waltz is a strong candidate for defense secretary, known for his hawkish stance on China and his commitment to reducing U.S. dependence on Chinese resources.

Mike Pompeo

Former CIA director and Secretary of State Pompeo could take on the role of defense secretary or another security-related position. Although he briefly considered challenging Trump in the primaries, he is now back on good terms with the president-elect and has expressed strong support for Ukraine.

Tom Cotton

The Arkansas senator and former Army officer is a serious contender for defense secretary. Cotton is known for his aggressive views and support for military aid to Ukraine and enjoys the support of major Trump donors.

Keith Kellogg

Retired Lt. Gen. Kellogg, who served on Trump’s National Security Council, is a candidate for various national security posts. He has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine that provides for a negotiated solution and excludes Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Tom Homan

Homan, a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, could become Homeland Security secretary, especially as Trump plans to focus on tougher immigration policies.

Chad Wolf

Wolf, who was the acting Homeland Security secretary, is another contender for the DHS job. Although he resigned amid controversy, he has a strong track record of implementing Trump’s tough immigration policies.

Mark Green

The current chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Green, is considered a DHS nominee, although he previously withdrew from running for Secretary of the Army due to past statements that drew scrutiny.

John Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe, a former director of national intelligence and a staunch Trump loyalist, is a potential choice for attorney general. Ratcliffe, known for his clashes with career officials, is expected to win Senate confirmation if nominated.

Mike Lee

Senator Lee of Utah is another candidate for attorney general. A loyal Trump ally, Lee played a prominent role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and has strong influence in Trump’s orbit.

Susie Wiles

Wiles, Trump’s co-campaign manager, is a top choice for White House chief of staff. She is credited with executing a disciplined campaign and is expected to bring organization to the role.

Brooke Rollins

A former director of Trump’s Domestic Policy Council, Rollins is also a contender for chief of staff. She is considered a moderate and supported criminal justice reforms during Trump’s first term.

Kash Patel

Patel, a Trump loyalist who has served in defense and intelligence roles, is considered a candidate for CIA director, although his controversial statements could pose a challenge if Senate confirmation is required.