Donald Trump, recently elected to a second term as President, has started the process of forming his Cabinet and administration, unveiling some anticipated names and a few unexpected choices. As Trump prepares for another four years, his picks are already stirring debate, with some selections proving controversial.
The most attention-grabbing choice is Representative Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, a role that oversees the Department of Justice. Gaetz has long been a staunch Trump ally, but his nomination has sparked significant discussion due to his past legal troubles. He was previously the subject of a year-long Justice Department investigation that ended without charges, though he remains under review by the House Ethics Committee. His path to confirmation may be challenging, as some Republican senators have expressed reservations about supporting his nomination. Gaetz’s selection underscores Trump’s loyalty to close allies, though it could set up a contentious confirmation process.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, another notable Trump supporter and former presidential rival, has also been tapped for a role in the administration. Rubio, who has built a reputation as a foreign policy hawk, is expected to bring experience and established relationships on Capitol Hill to the Cabinet. His experience may provide a stabilizing presence amid the more divisive figures in Trump’s lineup.
Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, known for her bipartisan appeal and outspoken anti-establishment stance, is another notable addition to Trump’s team. Gabbard, who often voiced criticisms of the Democratic Party establishment, aligns with Trump on certain foreign policy issues, particularly around non-interventionism. Her selection could be a signal of Trump’s intention to pursue a Cabinet with some ideological diversity or at least to engage with figures outside the traditional Republican base.
While some names have been announced, questions remain around potential roles for Trump’s family members, who played key roles in his first administration. Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, served as senior advisors during his previous term, though both have since distanced themselves from active political involvement. It is unclear if they will reprise their advisory roles or take on different responsibilities in the new administration.
In a surprising twist, environmental activist and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, has reportedly been approached by Trump to potentially reorganize agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Kennedy, who launched an independent run for the presidency in 2024 before endorsing Trump, is a vocal critic of federal health agencies. Although he has not been named to an official position yet, his potential involvement has sparked speculation about the direction Trump’s administration might take in health and regulatory policies.
As Trump’s administration begins to take shape, political observers are closely watching how his Cabinet selections align with his campaign promises and policy goals. The Cabinet includes the Vice President and heads of 15 executive departments, such as the Departments of Defense, Treasury, State, Education, and Health and Human Services. Trump’s choices for these roles will be critical in determining his administration’s priorities on issues ranging from economic policy to national security.
With a mix of established political figures, allies, and unconventional picks, Trump’s Cabinet selections are sure to face scrutiny. As nominations move toward the Senate for confirmation, both his supporters and critics will be watching to see how his administration plans to govern in the coming years.
