Donald Trump after internal conflicts in his first term, aims to reshape the government in his vision. Some picks may face battles despite Senate control.
US President-elect Donald Trump is filling key positions in his second administration, shaping it quite differently from his first, with a focus on loyalists for top roles.
Donald Trump faced challenges from internal conflicts during his first term. Now, he seems intent on reshaping the federal government in his own vision. Some of his picks may face tough confirmation battles, even with Republicans controlling the US Senate.
Here’s a look at whom he has selected so far:
Secretary of state, Marco Rubio: Donald Trump named Florida Senator Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making the critic-turned-ally his choice for top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is known for his strong stances on China, Cuba, and Iran, and was among the finalists for Trump’s running mate last summer. He serves as vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and is also a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement.
Attorney general, Matt Gaetz: Donald Trump announced on Wednesday his intent to nominate Florida representative Matt Gaetz as attorney general, choosing a trusted ally for the role of the nation’s top prosecutor. By selecting Gaetz, 42, Trump opted against several seasoned lawyers previously considered strong contenders for the position.
“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and Restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” Trump said in a statement.
Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. More recently, Noem faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog.
CIA director, John Ratcliffe: He served as the director of national intelligence for the last year and a half of Trump’s first term, overseeing US intelligence agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term, leading the U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”