Following President-elect Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, people around the globe are speculating about his Cabinet choices. The Cabinet plays a critical role in advising the President, with members meeting regularly with the President to provide updates and suggest policies. Each Cabinet member leads a specific executive department of the federal government.
First, President-elect Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins as Agriculture Secretary. The Agriculture Secretary oversees farming and livestock production, food safety, and rural development (USDA). Rollins previously served as a policy advisor in Trump’s White House. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural development and currently serves as president of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank founded in 2021 to promote Trump’s policy agenda. The institute focuses on reducing foreign influence, expanding affordable housing, and creating jobs (Axios).
Next, Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary is Howard Lutnick. The Commerce Secretary is responsible for promoting job creation and sustaining economic growth (commerce.gov). Lutnick, former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and current CEO of BGC Group, has extensive experience in financial services. He has also managed the cryptocurrency company Tether and has reportedly donated over $6 million to super PACs supporting Trump’s campaign. Lutnick has expressed strong support for Trump’s tariffs, which aim to bolster domestic industries and reduce reliance on foreign trade (Capital Gazette).
Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense is Pete Hegseth. The Secretary of Defense oversees the nation’s armed forces and is often referred to as the “deputy commander in chief.” Hegseth, a Fox News contributor and former co-host, served nearly two decades in the Army National Guard, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he earned two Bronze Stars (PBS). Critics, however, have raised concerns about his lack of national security experience.
For Education Secretary, Trump has chosen Linda McMahon. The Secretary of Education sets national education policy and oversees funding for state education departments. McMahon, a former WWE CEO and business executive, previously led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term and served a year on Connecticut’s Board of Education. Her focus is on expanding school choice and increasing the number of charter schools rather than allocating additional resources to public schools (NPR).
Trump has selected Chris Wright as Energy Secretary. The Energy Secretary manages America’s nuclear weapons programs and executes energy policies (energy.gov). Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, is a staunch advocate for fossil fuels and fracking, arguing that fracking is essential for U.S. energy dominance. He aligns with Trump’s view that the climate crisis is overstated and believes fossil fuel production can alleviate poverty.
For Secretary of Health and Human Services, Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The department aims to enhance the health and well-being of Americans through essential services and programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (HHS.gov). Kennedy has promoted individual health choices and has been criticized for his controversial views on vaccines (CNN).
Trump selected South Carolina Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. The Homeland Security Secretary is responsible for safeguarding the U.S. from domestic and international threats, including terrorism and cyberattacks. Noem gained national attention for her pandemic policies and strong stance on border security (AP News).
For Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Trump has nominated Scott Turner. The HUD Secretary oversees housing policies, including affordable housing initiatives and efforts to combat homelessness. Turner, a former NFL player and motivational speaker, previously led Trump’s White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, focusing on economic development in distressed communities. Supporters believe his background will bring fresh approaches to HUD (Politico).
Trump has nominated Doug Collins as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Affairs Secretary manages benefits and services for veterans, including healthcare and education. Collins, a former congressman and Air Force Reserve chaplain, has been a vocal advocate for veterans’ issues, earning bipartisan praise for his dedication to this field (Military Times).
Finally, for Attorney General, Trump has selected Pam Bondi after Matt Gaetz was withdrawn from consideration. The Attorney General leads the Department of Justice, enforces federal laws, and protects civil rights. Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, played an important role in Trump’s impeachment defense. While her legal experience is extensive, some have expressed concerns about her close ties to Trump and the potential impact on the department’s nonpartisanship (Reuters).
With these nominations, Trump seeks to assemble a team on par with his policy priorities and vision in order to set the tone for his second term. While many selections have been praised for their expertise, others have drawn disapproval over qualifications and potential partisanship. The Senate confirmation process will determine the final composition of this administration’s leadership.
By Sanya Nadeem ‘26, Assistant Politics and Opinions Editor
