From Musk to RFK Jr.: What a New Trump Administration Might Look Like

As Donald Trump prepares for a potential return to the White House in January, his transition team is already vetting candidates for key positions in his administration. On Thursday, Trump made his first announcement, naming his campaign co-manager Susan Summerall Wiles as his White House Chief of Staff.

While many figures from Trump’s first term are not expected to return, several loyalists are rumored to be making a comeback. Meanwhile, a new group of influential figures is emerging as potential appointees to key government roles, including Cabinet positions, White House staff, and other important agencies.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The past two years have been a turbulent journey for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. Once an environmental lawyer, Kennedy ran for president as a Democrat but found himself at odds with much of his family over his controversial anti-vaccine views. Despite his family’s vocal opposition, Kennedy switched to an independent candidacy, but after a string of controversies, he ultimately dropped out and endorsed Trump.

In the final months of the 2024 election cycle, Kennedy spearheaded a Trump campaign initiative called “Make America Healthy Again.” Trump has recently promised that Kennedy will play a significant role in public health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Kennedy, who has expressed his desire to remove fluoride from drinking water, has defended his position on vaccines, clarifying that he is not “anti-vaccine” but advocates for providing people with “the best information” to make informed choices. While he did not specify a formal Cabinet position, Kennedy has suggested that he could take on a broader role within the White House.

Susie Wiles: Chief of Staff

A key figure in Trump’s political strategy, Susie Wiles has been appointed as White House Chief of Staff for Trump’s second term, making her the first woman to hold this position. Wiles, who Trump referred to as the “ice maiden” after their successful 2020 campaign, has earned a reputation as one of the most respected political operatives in the country. She has a long history in politics, including pivotal roles in Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign and Rick Scott’s successful 2010 run for Florida governor.

Wiles, known for staying behind the scenes, has been praised for her ability to manage high-profile egos and maintain order in Trump’s orbit—qualities that could provide much-needed stability to his administration.

Elon Musk: Leading the Department of Government Efficiency

The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, announced his support for Trump earlier this year, despite having been a vocal critic of the former president in 2022. Musk, who has donated over $119 million to support Trump’s campaign, has been increasingly outspoken on issues such as illegal immigration and transgender rights since registering as a Republican.

Musk has discussed the possibility of leading a new “Department of Government Efficiency,” a proposal aimed at cutting federal costs, reforming regulations, and reducing bureaucratic inefficiency. The agency’s playful acronym—DOGE—pays homage to the “meme-coin” cryptocurrency that Musk has supported in the past.

Mike Pompeo: Possible Defense Secretary

Former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a staunch foreign policy hawk, is considered a top contender for the role of Secretary of Defense in a second Trump administration. Pompeo played a key role in shaping Trump’s Middle East policies, including moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and promoting the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

Pompeo, who remained loyal to Trump even during the contentious aftermath of the 2020 election, has also been mentioned as a possible National Security Advisor, a position that does not require Senate confirmation.

Richard Grenell: A Key Diplomatic Figure

Richard Grenell, who served as Trump’s ambassador to Germany and acting Director of National Intelligence, is another loyalist likely to play a prominent role in the second Trump administration. Known for his unwavering support of the former president, Grenell could be tapped for a position such as Secretary of State or National Security Advisor, where he would continue to advance Trump’s foreign policy objectives. He has also been involved in efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election and has recently advocated for peace proposals in Ukraine that are seen as controversial.

Karoline Leavitt: Press Secretary

Karoline Leavitt, who currently serves as the Trump 2024 campaign’s national press secretary, is considered a strong contender for the role of White House Press Secretary. Leavitt, a Gen-Z Republican who previously worked in Trump’s White House press office, ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 but has gained significant attention as a rising political star. If appointed, she would be one of the most visible members of Trump’s team.

Tom Homan: Department of Homeland Security

Tom Homan, who served as the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term, has emerged as a key figure in Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans. Known for his controversial stance on immigration, Homan has advocated for a strict approach to illegal immigration, including targeting “sanctuary cities” for prosecution. He is now being floated as a potential head of the Department of Homeland Security.