Trump's return to the White House: His cabinet choices so far

After a remarkable comeback in this month's election, Donald Trump has quickly unveiled plans for a more assertive new administration.

Trump's first term (2017-2021) was marked by high turnover, with many cabinet positions filled temporarily. Some of these roles, including cabinet positions, require Senate approval. On November 10, Trump indicated that anyone aiming to become the Republican majority leader must agree not to block temporary presidential appointments. These so-called recess appointments, which are rarely used after a 2014 Supreme Court ruling, allow presidents to make appointments during Senate recesses. Some constitutional experts have raised concerns that Trump may use this method to bypass difficult confirmation processes for controversial nominees.

Trump’s personnel choices will be closely scrutinized, especially his pick for attorney general to lead the Justice Department, following his public pledges to investigate perceived political opponents. The Justice Department also oversees the FBI, and while Trump appointed Christopher Wray as FBI Director, their relationship has been strained, with Trump criticizing Wray over his role in investigations that resulted in criminal charges against him.

Here are some of the cabinet-level picks so far:

Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense
Trump has nominated Hegseth, a Fox News anchor and former Army National Guard infantry captain who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay. While Hegseth has been vocal against "woke" military initiatives, his lack of experience leading large organizations raises concerns. The next defense secretary will face global tensions, including North Korea’s actions, Russia's war in Ukraine, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren has criticized the pick, saying it will make the country "less safe."

Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security
Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, has a history of focusing on issues like asylum and irregular immigration. She has also been involved in controversial actions, such as sending National Guard troops for Texas’s Operation Lone Star. Noem has blamed a "porous" border for drug issues in her state, despite federal data showing most drug trafficking happens through official entry points.

John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence
Ratcliffe, who previously served as a U.S. attorney and a congressman, was initially rejected as DNI in 2019 due to his lack of experience but was later confirmed. His 2020 declassification of unverified Russian intelligence about Democrats sparked bipartisan criticism, even from some of Trump’s own officials.

Elise Stefanik, Ambassador to the United Nations
Stefanik, a Republican House member since 2014, initially skeptical of Trump, became one of his most outspoken supporters. She has been involved in controversial positions, such as questioning U.S. support for UN agencies and advocating for a reassessment of U.S. funding for the UN. Her stance on political prisoners and aggressive questioning on antisemitism in the Israel-Hamas war has raised her profile but could make her a polarizing figure at the UN.

Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
Zeldin, who ran for New York governor in 2022, is known for his opposition to certifying the 2020 election results and his poor environmental record during his time in Congress. Zeldin’s selection aligns with Trump’s pro-fossil fuel stance, promising to end wind energy subsidies and roll back environmental regulations established during the Biden administration.

These picks signal that Trump's administration could continue to prioritize conservative policies while facing significant challenges in securing Senate confirmation for some of his nominees.