President-elect Donald Trump continues to shape his administration, announcing key Cabinet nominations as his January inauguration approaches.
At a Glance
- Trump has announced 25 out of 28 Cabinet and agency head positions requiring Senate approval
- Nominees include Wall Street executives, former congressional representatives, and television personalities
- Republican-controlled Senate set to confirm Trump’s Cabinet nominees
- Some nominees expected to face scrutiny during confirmation hearings
- Confirmation process involves investigations, hearings, and Senate votes
Trump’s Cabinet Takes Shape
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, he is actively filling key positions in his administration. The Cabinet selections reflect Trump’s agenda, focusing on raising tariffs, cutting spending, and enhancing U.S. energy dominance. Among the notable nominations are Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, for Commerce Secretary, and Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, for Energy Secretary.
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been tapped for Labor Secretary, bringing her congressional experience to the role. These selections underscore Trump’s strategy of combining business acumen with political experience in his Cabinet. The nominees now face a rigorous confirmation process, including investigations by the FBI, IRS, Office of Government Ethics, and agency ethics officials.
The Confirmation Process
The 119th Congress, with a Republican-controlled Senate, is poised to confirm Trump’s Cabinet nominees. This process is rooted in the Constitution, which allows the President to appoint officials with the Senate’s “advice and consent,” as stated in Article II. Senate committees, now with a Republican majority, will hold hearings for nominees based on their areas of expertise.
“He will work alongside Harmeet K. Dhillon, a fellow Californian, and our incredible Nominee for United States Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Justice Department,” Trump said.
While some nominees, like Sen. Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, are expected to sail through confirmation, others may face more intense scrutiny. Hearings for high-profile nominees such as Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence are scheduled before Trump’s inauguration, highlighting the administration’s urgency in filling these crucial roles.
Latest Cabinet Appointments
In recent announcements, Trump has nominated several individuals for key positions. Leo Terrell, a former Fox News contributor and civil rights attorney, has been selected as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice. Trump praised Terrell’s credentials, stating, “Leo is a highly respected civil rights attorney and political analyst. He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has defended many high-profile cases throughout his incredibly successful career. Leo will be a fantastic advocate for the American People, and ensure we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Christine Toretti, a businesswoman and philanthropist with a background in banking, has been nominated as Ambassador to Sweden. Her experience as an RNC Committeewoman and various board memberships positions her well for this diplomatic role. Retired Army Capt. Sam Brown, a Purple Heart recipient, has been chosen for Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Trump commended Brown, saying, “Sam is an American HERO, a Purple Heart recipient, and successful businessman from Nevada, who has devoted his life to serving America.”
