Following the United States presidential election held on November 5, 2024, Donald J. Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States, with J.D. Vance as his Vice President-elect. This marked a significant moment in U.S. political history, as Trump returned to the presidency with a renewed agenda. The Trump/Vance transition team promptly began assembling a roster of nominees for key positions within the upcoming administration. This article provides an overview of the transition period and highlights the significant nominations announced in November 2024.
The Trump/Vance transition focused on appointing individuals aligned with the administration's priorities of national security, economic growth, governmental efficiency, and an "America First" policy approach. The nominees came from diverse backgrounds, including politics, military service, business, and healthcare. The transition team utilized official statements released on various social media platforms to announce these appointments, ensuring transparency and engagement with the public.
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Susie Wiles – Chief of Staff
Susie Wiles, a seasoned political strategist who previously managed Trump's successful 2016 and 2020 campaigns, was appointed Chief of Staff. Her expertise in campaign strategy and organizational leadership positioned her as a key figure in orchestrating the administration's agenda.
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Lee Zeldin – Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
Former Congressman Lee Zeldin was nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Known for his advocacy of balanced environmental policies and economic growth, Zeldin brought experience from his tenure representing New York's 1st congressional district.
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Elise Stefanik – United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, recognized for her role as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and as a prominent figure in the Republican Party, was nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Her appointment signaled an emphasis on strong U.S. leadership in international affairs.
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Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth, an Army combat veteran and television commentator, was nominated to head the Department of Defense. Hegseth's military service included deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing him with experience relevant to national defense.
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Kristi Noem – Secretary of Homeland Security
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was nominated as Secretary of Homeland Security. Known for her executive leadership and focus on border security and law enforcement, Noem was expected to enhance the nation's homeland security strategies.
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William McGinley – White House Counsel
Attorney William McGinley, who previously served as White House Cabinet Secretary and held roles within the Republican National Committee, was appointed White House Counsel. His extensive legal background was anticipated to guide the administration's legal affairs.
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Tulsi Gabbard – Director of National Intelligence
Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, with her experience on the House Armed Services Committee and military service in the Hawaii Army National Guard, was nominated as Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard's bipartisan appeal and foreign policy expertise were seen as assets in overseeing the intelligence community.
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John Ratcliffe – Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
John Ratcliffe, who previously served as Director of National Intelligence, was nominated to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). His familiarity with intelligence operations was expected to strengthen the agency's effectiveness.
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Mike Huckabee – Ambassador to Israel
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a long-time supporter of strong U.S.-Israel relations, was nominated as Ambassador to Israel. His appointment underscored the administration's commitment to its alliance with Israel.
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Steven C. Witkoff – Special Envoy to the Middle East
Real estate developer Steven C. Witkoff was appointed Special Envoy to the Middle East. Tasked with advancing peace initiatives and fostering economic development, Witkoff brought business acumen to diplomatic efforts in the region.
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Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy – Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Co-Leads
Entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were tapped to co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Their mandate was to streamline government operations, implement innovative technologies, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.
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Mike Waltz – National Security Advisor
Congressman Mike Waltz, a former Green Beret and expert on defense policy, was appointed National Security Advisor. His military background and legislative experience were anticipated to guide national security strategy.
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Dan Scavino – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff
Dan Scavino, who managed President Trump's social media strategy in previous administrations, was appointed Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff. Scavino's expertise in communications was expected to bolster the administration's messaging efforts.
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Stephen Miller – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor
Policy advisor Stephen Miller continued his role within the administration, focusing on policy development and homeland security issues. His influence on immigration policies was particularly noted.
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James Blair – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political and Public Affairs
James Blair was appointed to oversee legislative affairs, political strategy, and public engagement, aiming to advance the administration's agenda through effective coordination with Congress and the public.
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Taylor Budowich – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Personnel
Taylor Budowich, responsible for communications strategy and personnel management, was tasked with shaping the administration's public narrative and overseeing staffing decisions.
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Marco Rubio – Secretary of State
Senator Marco Rubio was nominated as Secretary of State. With experience in foreign relations and a focus on human rights and democracy promotion, Rubio was positioned to lead U.S. diplomatic efforts globally.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Secretary of Health and Human Services
Environmental lawyer and vaccine safety advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). His appointment indicated a potential shift in healthcare policies and public health initiatives.
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Alex Wong – Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
Alex Wong, a diplomat with experience in East Asian affairs, was appointed Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, supporting the administration's focus on strategic competition and international security.
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Todd Blanche – Deputy Attorney General
Attorney Todd Blanche was nominated as Deputy Attorney General. His legal expertise, including prior service in the Department of Justice, was expected to support the department's operations.
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Emil Bove – Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General (and Acting Deputy Attorney General)
Emil Bove, with a background in national security law, was appointed as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General and Acting Deputy Attorney General. His role involved oversight of key prosecutorial and legal functions within the department.
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John Sauer – Solicitor General
John Sauer, previously serving as Missouri’s Solicitor General, was nominated to represent the federal government before the Supreme Court, shaping legal arguments on significant constitutional issues.
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Doug Collins – Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Former Congressman Doug Collins, a veteran and advocate for military personnel, was nominated to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on veterans' healthcare and benefits.
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Doug Burgum – Secretary of the Interior
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum was nominated as Secretary of the Interior. His experience in managing natural resources and emphasis on energy development aligned with the administration's priorities.
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Chris Wright – Secretary of Energy
Energy executive Chris Wright, known for his leadership in hydraulic fracturing technology, was nominated to head the Department of Energy, emphasizing energy independence and technological innovation.
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William Owen Scharf – Assistant to the President and White House Staff Secretary
William Owen Scharf was appointed White House Staff Secretary, responsible for managing the flow of information and decisions to the President.
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Brendan Carr – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr was nominated as Chairman. His focus on expanding 5G infrastructure and reducing regulatory barriers was expected to shape telecommunications policy.
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Sean Duffy – Secretary of Transportation
Former Congressman Sean Duffy was nominated to lead the Department of Transportation. Duffy was anticipated to prioritize infrastructure development and modernization efforts.
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Howard Lutnick – Secretary of Commerce
Business leader Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, was nominated as Secretary of Commerce. His experience in global financial markets was seen as beneficial for promoting trade and economic growth.
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Linda McMahon – Secretary of Education
Linda McMahon, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration and co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), was nominated as Secretary of Education, advocating for vocational training and educational reform.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator
Cardiothoracic surgeon and television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz was nominated to oversee CMS. His focus on healthcare innovation aimed to improve Medicare and Medicaid services.
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Pete Hoekstra – Ambassador to Canada
Former Congressman and Ambassador Pete Hoekstra was nominated as Ambassador to Canada, tasked with strengthening the U.S.-Canada relationship.
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Matthew G. Whitaker – Ambassador to NATO
Matthew G. Whitaker, who previously served as Acting U.S. Attorney General, was nominated as Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), focusing on defense cooperation.
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Pam Bondi – Attorney General
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was nominated as the United States Attorney General. Known for her legal expertise and advocacy against opioid abuse, Bondi was expected to lead the Department of Justice with a focus on law enforcement and public safety.
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Scott Bessent – Secretary of the Treasury
Hedge fund manager Scott Bessent was nominated to lead the Department of the Treasury. His financial expertise was considered valuable for shaping fiscal policy and economic strategy.
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Lori Chavez-DeRemer – Secretary of Labor
Businesswoman and former mayor Lori Chavez-DeRemer was nominated as Secretary of Labor, emphasizing job creation and workforce development.
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Jim O'Neill – Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services
Tech investor Jim O'Neill was nominated as Deputy Secretary of HHS. Known for his support of innovative healthcare solutions, O'Neill was expected to contribute to healthcare policy reform.
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Scott Turner – Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Former NFL player and businessman Scott Turner was nominated to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). His experience with the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council was seen as vital for urban development initiatives.
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Dave Weldon – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director
Physician and former Congressman Dave Weldon was nominated as CDC Director, bringing medical and legislative experience to public health leadership.
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Dr. Marty Makary – Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner
Johns Hopkins surgeon and public health researcher Dr. Marty Makary was nominated as FDA Commissioner. Known for his advocacy of transparency in healthcare, Makary was expected to focus on medical innovation and patient safety.
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Brooke L. Rollins – Secretary of Agriculture
Policy expert Brooke L. Rollins, who previously served as Director of the Domestic Policy Council, was nominated as Secretary of Agriculture, focusing on agricultural innovation and rural prosperity.
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Jamieson Greer – United States Trade Representative
Trade attorney Jamieson Greer was nominated as U.S. Trade Representative. His experience in international trade law was anticipated to advance the administration's trade policies.
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John Phelan – Secretary of the Navy
Business executive John Phelan was nominated as Secretary of the Navy. His leadership experience was expected to contribute to naval strategy and operations.
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Dr. Jay Bhattacharya – National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director
Stanford University professor Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a physician and health economist, was nominated to lead the NIH. His research on public health and policy was expected to guide medical research priorities.
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Vince Haley – Director of the Domestic Policy Council
Policy advisor Vince Haley was appointed as Director of the Domestic Policy Council, coordinating the administration's domestic policy initiatives.
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Kevin A. Hassett – Director of the White House National Economic Council
Economist Kevin A. Hassett, who previously served as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, was appointed to lead the National Economic Council, focusing on economic policy and addressing issues like inflation and trade imbalances.
The Trump/Vance transition team assembled a diverse and experienced group of nominees to lead the incoming administration. The appointments reflected a commitment to advancing key policy areas such as national security, economic growth, healthcare reform, government efficiency, and foreign relations. As the transition progressed, these nominations set the foundation for the administration's priorities and the direction of federal policies in the coming years.