Schedule & Learn how to Watch


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Again in 2016, Democrats have been extensively appalled by Donald Trump’s Cupboard picks, whom they described as harmful and “traditionally unqualified.” Now even a number of of Trump’s Republican congressional allies have been stated to be “surprised and disgusted” over his second-term Cupboard picks, with RFK Jr., and Pete Hegseth, and Tulsi Gabbard drawing essentially the most outrage. But the GOP Senate appears poised to approve all of Trump’s nominees (apart from Matt Gaetz, who needed to withdraw his identify from consideration for legal professional basic).
Right here’s the Senate affirmation listening to schedule to this point, with hyperlinks to watch the hearings on-line, adopted by the total listing of Trump Cupboard picks.
10:00 a.m. EST: Labor secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer will seem earlier than Senate HELP Committee. Watch the listening to right here on Senate.gov.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
CIA Director John Ratcliffe
Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth
Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin
Inside Secretary Doug Burgum
Power Secretary Chris Wright
Legal professional Common Pam Bondi
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins
Secretary of of Housing and City Improvement Scott Turner
Workplace of Administration and Funds Director Russell Vought
Director of Nationwide Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
Secretary of Well being and Human Providers Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Listed here are all of Trump’s picks — together with a number of nominees for different high administration positions — organized from highest to lowest within the line of succession.
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Who: Marco Rubio has served as U.S. senator from Florida since 2011 and is vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He ran for president in 2016 however misplaced the GOP nomination to Trump.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a press release posted to Fact Social:
Marco is a Extremely Revered Chief, and a really highly effective Voice for Freedom. He shall be a powerful Advocate for our Nation, a real good friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who won’t ever again all the way down to our adversaries. I sit up for working with Marco to Make America, and the World, Protected and Nice Once more!
Potential Points: Rubio is thought for his hawkish positions, significantly on China, Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela. However because the Washington Submit notes, he’s “generated bipartisan acclaim,” as he may be Trump’s most typical decide.
Affirmation Standing: Rubio was unanimously confirmed by the total Senate.
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Who: Pete Hegseth is a former Fox Information host and Military Nationwide Guard officer. He served within the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to Guantanamo Bay.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
Pete has spent his total life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Nation. Pete is hard, sensible and a real believer in America First. With Pete on the helm, America’s enemies are on discover – Our Army shall be Nice Once more, and America will By no means Again Down…
Potential Points: Whereas Hegseth served within the army, he has no expertise operating something bigger than a small nonprofit. As Protection secretary, he’s accountable for main the Pentagon and 1.3 million active-duty troops. He has controversial views on a variety of matters, from ladies serving in fight (he’s opposed) to servicemembers accused of conflict crimes (he needs them pardoned) to handwashing (he doesn’t do it). Additionally, he was investigated for an alleged sexual assault in 2017. And a fellow servicemember flagged him as a potential “Insider Risk” over a tattoo he has that’s related to white-supremacist teams.
Affirmation Standing: Hegseth was confirmed by a vote of 51-50, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
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Who: Pam Bondi is a lobbyist who served as Florida’s legal professional basic from 2011 to 2019.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: Trump initially nominated Matt Gaetz for legal professional basic, then picked Bondi after he withdrew from consideration. Trump wrote in a Fact Social put up:
Pam was a prosecutor for practically 20 years, the place she was very robust on Violent Criminals, and made the streets secure for Florida Households. Then, as Florida’s first feminine Legal professional Common, she labored to cease the trafficking of lethal medicine, and cut back the tragedy of Fentanyl Overdose Deaths, which have destroyed many households throughout our Nation. She did such an unimaginable job, that I requested her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Fee throughout my first Time period — We saved many lives!
Potential Points: Bondi is a longtime Trump loyalist who served on his first impeachment protection staff and publicly backed his false stolen election claims in 2020. (That’s true of most individuals on this listing, but it surely’s notable as a result of the AG is answerable for investigating claims of irregularities in federal elections.) Again in 2013, Bondi’s aides stated the Florida AG was contemplating becoming a member of a multi-state lawsuit in opposition to Trump College after receiving practically two dozen complaints in regards to the for-profit faculty. 4 days later, Bondi’s PAC acquired a $25,000 contribution from a Trump nonprofit and he or she by no means joined the lawsuit. However Trump and Bondi each declare the donation had nothing to do together with her determination.
Affirmation Standing: Bondi was confirmed by a vote of 54-46.
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Who: Doug Burgum has been the governor of North Dakota since 2016. He’s value a whole bunch of tens of millions of {dollars}, primarily as a result of he offered his software program firm to Microsoft in 2002. He ran for president in 2024 and have become a high Trump surrogate when he dropped out.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He teasingly unveiled the information of Burgum’s impending nomination throughout an occasion at Mar-a-Lago on November 14. A day later, he put out a assertion asserting that Burgum shall be each Inside secretary and head of the newly fashioned “Nationwide Power Council, which can include all Departments and Companies concerned within the allowing, manufacturing, technology, distribution, regulation, transportation, of ALL types of American Power.”
Potential Points: Environmental teams raised issues about Burgum’s lack of expertise, coziness with oil billionaires, and dedication to drilling in public lands — however that each one suits with Trump’s agenda. That is considered one of Trump’s extra typical picks.
Affirmation Standing: Burgum was confirmed by a vote of 79-18.
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Who: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is America’s best-known anti-vaccine activist. He ran for president in 2024 as a Democrat, then as an unbiased. He dropped out of the race in August 2024 and endorsed Trump, however he nonetheless appeared on the poll in some states.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated on X:
For too lengthy, Individuals have been crushed by the commercial meals advanced and drug firms who’ve engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation with regards to Public Well being. The Security and Well being of all Individuals is an important position of any Administration, and HHS will play an enormous position in serving to be certain that everyone shall be protected against dangerous chemical compounds, pollution, pesticides, pharmaceutical merchandise, and meals components which have contributed to the overwhelming Well being Disaster on this Nation. Mr. Kennedy will restore these Companies to the traditions of Gold Customary Scientific Analysis, and beacons of Transparency, to finish the Power Illness epidemic, and to Make America Nice and Wholesome Once more!
Potential Points: RFK Jr. is considered one of Trump’s most appalling picks. He has a protracted historical past of peddling health-related conspiracy theories: He’s claimed vaccines trigger autism, linked depressants to mass shootings, and steered HIV doesn’t trigger AIDS, to call only a few of his false well being assertions. And now he could oversee every thing from Individuals’ medical health insurance to meals security to the provision of medication and vaccines.
Affirmation Standing: Kennedy was confirmed by a vote of 52 to 48.
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Who: Scott Bessent, 62, is a billionaire hedge-fund supervisor who’s at present the CEO, founder, and chief funding officer at Key Sq. Capital Administration in New York. Previous to that, he was the chief funding officer at Soros Fund Administration. Bessent was a high Trump marketing campaign fundraiser, as has develop into considered one of Trump’s high financial advisers. He’s the primary brazenly homosexual Treasury secretary.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
Scott is extensively revered as one of many World’s foremost Worldwide Traders and Geopolitical and Financial Strategists. Scott’s story is that of the American Dream. Scott has lengthy been a powerful advocate of the America First Agenda. On the eve of our Nice Nation’s 250th Anniversary, he’ll assist me usher in a brand new Golden Age for the US, as we fortify our place because the World’s main Economic system, Middle of Innovation and Entrepreneurialism, Vacation spot for Capital, whereas all the time, and with out query, sustaining the U.S. Greenback because the Reserve Forex of the World. In contrast to in previous Administrations, we are going to be certain that no Individuals shall be left behind within the subsequent and Best Financial Increase, and Scott will lead that effort for me[.]
Potential Points: Bessent is a former Democrat and protégé of liberal billionaire philanthropist George Soros. Bessent survived an inner “knife battle” over the Treasury job with transition co-chair Howard Lutnick. Bessent’s Trump World critics have forged doubt on whether or not he’s a MAGA true believer, significantly with regards to the usage of tariffs, which Bessent then enthusiastically backed in a November 15 Fox Information op-ed. Nonetheless, Bessent is extensively thought of a secure decide for Trump.
Affirmation Standing: Bessent was confirmed by a vote of 68 to 29.
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Who: Howard Lutnick is the billionaire CEO of the financial-services agency Cantor Fitzgerald, the co-chair of Trump’s transition staff, a high marketing campaign fundraiser, and a loyal longtime good friend, ally, and adviser to Trump. Lutnick can also be the chairman of the brokerage agency BGC Group Inc. and the industrial real-estate agency Newmark Group. Trump stated that along with his Commerce position, Lutnick will “lead our Tariff and Commerce agenda, with extra direct accountability for the Workplace of the US Commerce Consultant.”
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
In his position as Co-Chair of the Trump-Vance Transition Group, Howard has created essentially the most subtle course of and system to help us in creating the best Administration America has ever seen. Howard has been a dynamic pressure on Wall Road for greater than 30 years. He joined Cantor Fitzgerald in 1983, and quickly rose by the ranks to develop into President and CEO on the age of 29. Tragedy struck on September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the World Commerce Middle, and Cantor Fitzgerald misplaced 658 of its 960 New York-based workers, together with Howard’s brother and his finest good friend. He emerged from these occasions with an indominable [sic] sense of goal to rebuild the agency to honor these misplaced, help their households, and develop into a beacon of hope for many who remained.
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: Lutnick’s makes an attempt to sink his rival for the Treasury secretary job, Scott Bessent, reportedly pissed off Trump and made Lutnick some enemies among the many president-elect’s inside circle. He has already been topic to conflict-of-interest suspicions, since his three companies have dealings throughout most sectors of the U.S. financial system, and he reportedly promoted his companies throughout latest transition-related conferences on Capitol Hill.
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Who: Sean Duffy is a former U.S. consultant from Wisconsin, former co-host of The Backside Line on Fox Enterprise, and a former contributor on Fox Information. He rose to fame on The Actual World: Boston and met his spouse Rachel Campos-Duffy on Street Guidelines: All Stars. She can also be a Fox Information host.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: In a assertion posted to Fact Social, Trump described Duffy as a “large and well-liked public servant” and stated:
He’ll prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Magnificence when rebuilding America’s highways, tunnels, bridges and airports. He’ll guarantee our ports and dams serve our Economic system with out compromising our Nationwide Safety and he’ll make our skies secure once more by eliminating DEI for pilots and air site visitors controllers. The husband of a beautiful girl, Rachel Campos-Duffy, a STAR on FoxNews, and the daddy of 9 unimaginable youngsters, Sean is aware of how essential it’s for households to have the ability to journey safely, with peace of thoughts.
Potential Points: Duffy doesn’t have a lot transportation coverage expertise, however because the Washington Submit notes, “that isn’t uncommon for individuals nominated to run the division — present secretary Pete Buttigieg had beforehand been mayor of his hometown.” Duffy is considered one of Trump’s least controversial Cupboard picks.
Requires Affirmation: Duffy was confirmed by a vote of 77 to 22.
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Who: Chris Wright is the chief govt of Liberty Power, a Denver-based fracking firm. The New York Occasions described him as a “media-friendly evangelist for fossil fuels who promotes a feel-good message that oil and gasoline can elevate individuals out of poverty, whereas disparaging local weather science.”
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: In a press release posted to Fact Social, Trump stated:
Chris has been a number one technologist and entrepreneur in Power. He has working Nuclear, Photo voltaic, Geothermal, and Oil and Fuel. Most importantly, Chris was one of many pioneers who helped launch the American Shale Revolution that fueled American Power Independence, and remodeled the World Power Markets and Geopolitics.
He additionally famous that Wright “has recognized and labored for years with Doug Burgum.” If confirmed to Trump’s Cupboard, each males shall be on the brand new Council of Nationwide Power; Burgum will lead the council and function Inside secretary.
Potential Points: Wright has no authorities expertise and just lately declared, “There isn’t a local weather disaster, and we’re not within the midst of an power transition.” Wright caught Trump’s consideration through Fox Information appearances, and he and his spouse just lately held a Trump fundraiser, donating $175,000 every to his joint fund-raising marketing campaign committee. Fracking billionaire Harold Hamm, who has donated $5 million to Trump and is a part of the transition staff, stated Wright was his best choice for Power secretary.
Affirmation Standing: Wright was confirmed by a vote of 59-38.
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Who: Linda McMahon is the co-founder of World Wrestling Leisure, who constructed wrestling right into a multibillion-dollar enterprise with husband Vince McMahon (they’re now separated). She led the Small Enterprise Administration throughout Trump’s first time period, and is at present the board chair of the America First Coverage Institute, a conservative suppose tank. She has been a serious monetary backer of Trump’s campaigns.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: In a assertion posted to Fact Social, which might be flagged by any elementary college instructor for improper capitalization, Trump wrote:
Linda has been a fierce advocate for Dad and mom’ Rights, working onerous at each AFPI and America First Works (AFW) to attain Common Faculty Selection in 12 States, giving youngsters the chance to obtain and wonderful Training, no matter zip code or revenue. As Secretary of Training, Linda will battle tirelessly to increase “Selection” to each State in America, and empower mother and father to make the most effective Training selections for his or her households.
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: McMahon has little expertise in schooling coverage, apart from serving on the Connecticut State Board of Training in 2009. She falsely claimed to have an schooling diploma in a questionnaire for that put up. She was just lately named in a civil swimsuit alleging that she ignored the sexual abuse of WWE “ring boys.” (Vince McMahon is beneath federal investigation for allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking, however Linda has not been straight implicated in that case.) The McMahons have denied any wrongdoing. Trump has promised to close down the Training Division, so her lack of schooling credentials could not matter.
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Who: Lori Chavez-DeRemer is a reasonable first-term Home Republican who represents Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District however narrowly misplaced her reelection bid on Election Day. She additionally served because the mayor of Completely satisfied Valley, Oregon, from 2011 to 2019. Chavez-DeRemer is a uncommon pro-union Republican and is one the few Home GOP members who helps the PRO (Defending the Proper to Set up) Act, which might enact a historic enlargement of labor rights. She additionally co-sponsored laws to guard the Social Safety advantages of public-sector employees. The Teamsters union, together with Teamsters president Sean O’Brien, reportedly lobbied Trump to pick her.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
Lori has labored tirelessly with each Enterprise and Labor to construct America’s workforce, and help the hardworking women and men of America. I sit up for working together with her to create large alternative for American Employees, to increase Coaching and Apprenticeships, to develop wages and enhance working circumstances, to deliver again our Manufacturing jobs. Collectively, we are going to obtain historic cooperation between Enterprise and Labor that may restore the American Dream for Working Households. Lori’s robust help from each the Enterprise and Labor communities will be certain that the Labor Division can unite Individuals of all backgrounds behind our Agenda[.]
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: Trump selecting Chavez-DeRemer was a shock to lots of Trump’s conservative allies. Republican presidents usually nominate pro-business Labor secretaries, and when rumors unfold that Trump was contemplating her for the position, pro-business teams spoke out in opposition. Professional-labor organizations have signaled help for the decide whereas additionally expressing skepticism that the Trump administration shall be useful for employees.
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Who: Brooke Rollins ran the White Home Home Coverage Council in the course of the first Trump administration, then went on to discovered and run the pro-Trump suppose tank, America First Coverage Institute, which just like the Heritage Basis’s Challenge 2025, has labored to develop a blueprint for the second Trump administration.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
Brooke was on my 2016 Financial Advisory Council, and did an unimaginable job throughout my First Time period because the Director of the Home Coverage Council, Director of the Workplace of American Innovation, and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives. In these roles, she helped develop and handle the transformational Home Coverage Agenda of my Administration. Brooke has spent the previous 4 years because the Founder and CEO of the America First Coverage Institute (AFPI) and America First Works (AFW), constructing a staff of loyal Patriots, and championing the Insurance policies of our America First Agenda. Brooke’s dedication to help the American Farmer, protection of American Meals Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Cities is second to none.
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: Rollins is a Trump loyalist with some agriculture-policy expertise, in addition to a level in agricultural growth, however much less expertise than the opposite contenders on Trump’s shortlist for the position. The Trump staff was divided on which of these different candidates to appoint, and Trump reportedly selected Rollins on the final minute, shocking everybody.
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Who: Kristi Noem has served because the governor of South Dakota since 2019. Earlier than turning into the South Dakota’s first feminine governor, she was the state’s sole consultant within the U.S. Home for eight years.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social message:
Kristi has been very robust on Border Safety. She was the primary Governor to ship Nationwide Guard Troopers to assist Texas battle the Biden Border Disaster, and so they have been despatched a complete of eight instances. She’s going to work intently with “Border Czar” Tom Homan to safe the Border, and can assure that our American Homeland is safe from our adversaries…
Potential Points: Noem hasn’t labored in Homeland Safety and doesn’t also have a law-enforcement background. Her nomination is seen “as additional indication that the administration’s immigration coverage shall be run out of the White Home,” per Politico. Oh, additionally she just lately introduced that she murdered her canine. However Trump’s wild subsequent picks basically squashed any controversy round Noem.
Affirmation Standing: Noem was confirmed by a vote of 59-34.
Who: Doug Collins is a former U.S. congressman from Georgia who served within the Home from 2013 to 2021. He’s a lawyer and veteran who served within the Iraq conflict and is at present an Air Pressure Reserve chaplain.
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{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He wrote in a assertion posted to Fact Social:
Doug is a Veteran himself, who at present serves our Nation as Chaplain in the US Air Pressure Reserve Command, and fought for our Nation within the Iraq Battle. We should deal with our courageous women and men in uniform, and doug shall be an incredible advocate for our Energetic Responsibility Servicemember, Veterans, and Army Households to make sure they’ve the help they want.
Potential Points: Collins isn’t an uncommon decide, but it surely’s value noting that Trump appears to be rewarding him for his loyalty. 4 of the eight Republicans who defended Trump throughout his first impeachment continuing have been nominated for Cupboard positions, and Collins is considered one of them.
Affirmation Standing: Collins was confirmed by a vote of 77-23.
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Who: Scott Turner performed 9 seasons within the NFL, and received concerned in GOP politics in the course of the offseason. After retiring, he finally served two phrases within the Texas Home, then joined the primary Trump administration as the top of the White Home Alternative and Revitalization Council. He’s now the chair of Middle for Training Alternative on the pro-Trump suppose tank America First Coverage Institute. He’s additionally been a motivational speaker, and is an affiliate pastor at a Baptist megachurch in Plano, Texas.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
Scott is an NFL Veteran, who, throughout my First Time period, served because the First Government Director of the White Home Alternative and Revitalization Council (WHORC), serving to to guide an Unprecedented Effort that Remodeled our Nation’s most distressed communities. These efforts, working along with former HUD Secretary, Ben Carson, have been maximized by Scott’s steering in overseeing 16 Federal Companies which carried out greater than 200 coverage actions furthering Financial Improvement. Underneath Scott’s management, Alternative Zones acquired over $50 Billion {Dollars} in Non-public Funding!
Potential Points: Turner’s views on housing coverage aren’t clear, and Politico reviews that his choice shocked and confused housing-industry lobbyists.
Affirmation Standing: Scott was confirmed by a vote of 55-44.
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Who: John Ratcliffe is a former Texas congressman who served because the director of nationwide intelligence in the course of the closing 12 months of Trump’s first time period.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
From exposing pretend Russian collusion to be a Clinton marketing campaign operation, to catching the FBl’s abuse of Civil Liberties on the FISA Courtroom, John Ratcliffe has all the time been a warrior for Fact and Honesty with the American Public. When 51 intelligence officers have been mendacity about Hunter Biden’s laptop computer, there was one, John Ratcliffe, telling the reality to the American Individuals…
Potential Points: Ratcliffe is a Trump loyalist who defended him throughout his first impeachment hearings. Whereas serving as director of nationwide intelligence, he declassified unverified Russian intelligence involving Hillary Clinton shortly earlier than the 2020 election. However he reportedly balked at efforts to overturn Trump’s 2020 loss and CNN reported that profession intelligence officers are cautiously optimistic about him main the CIA, as they see him as a “largely skilled and probably much less disruptive alternative.”
Affirmation Standing: Ratcliffe was confirmed by a vote of 74 to 25.
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Who: Dr. Martin Makary is a surgeon at Johns Hopkins College who, per Stat Information, is a well known movie star within the medical world, in addition to a frequent critic of the U.S. health-care system. He’s additionally the chief medical officer on the telehealth agency Sesame, a daily visitor on Fox Information, and was an adviser to the primary Trump administration.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
FDA has misplaced the belief of Individuals, and has overpassed its main aim as a regulator. The Company wants Dr. Marty Makary, a Extremely Revered Johns Hopkins Surgical Oncologist and Well being Coverage Knowledgeable, to course-correct and refocus the Company. He’ll work beneath the management of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to, amongst different issues, correctly consider dangerous chemical compounds poisoning our Nation’s meals provide and medicines and biologics being given to our Nation’s youth, in order that we will lastly deal with the Childhood Power Illness Epidemic.
A member of the celebrated Nationwide Academy of Medication, Dr. Makary has devoted his profession to enhancing Medical High quality and reducing Hospital and Drug Prices for all Individuals. As well as, Dr. Makary is an completed Professor on the Johns Hopkins Faculty of Medication and Johns Hopkins Carey Enterprise Faculty, and a number one advocate for Healthcare Transparency. He has authored greater than 300 scientific articles and three New York Occasions bestselling books on Healthcare.
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: Makary is a detailed ally of RFK Jr. and a fellow proponent of the Make America Wholesome Once more motion. He has been sharply essential of components of the U.S. COVID response: He spoke out in opposition to necessary masking for youngsters, promoted pure immunity, opposed COVID-vaccine mandates (however will not be anti-vaccine), criticized the Biden administration’s blanket suggestion of COVID boosters for younger individuals. Although Makary has publicly defended Kennedy, he hasn’t expressed the identical excessive views. It’s potential his ties to Kennedy may very well be a priority for reasonable GOP senators, however total he was one of many extra typical picks on Trump’s brief listing for the job.
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Who: Dave Weldon is a doctor and former seven-term Florida congressman. In Congress, Weldon was a staunch ally of the anti-vaxx and anti-abortion actions.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
Along with being a Medical Physician for 40 years, and an Military Veteran, Dave has been a revered conservative chief on fiscal and social points, and served on the Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, working for Accountability on HHS and CDC Coverage and Budgeting. Dave additionally served in a number one position in Authorities Oversight and Reform Committee Hearings, addressing points inside HHS and CDC. Dave has efficiently labored with the CDC to enact a ban on patents for human embryos. … As a father of two and a husband of 45 years, Dave understands American Household Values, and views Well being as considered one of utmost significance. Dave will prioritize Transparency, Competence, and Excessive Requirements at CDC.
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: Weldon would be the first nominee for CDC director who must be confirmed by the Senate, after Congress just lately handed laws to mandate that. He’s an ally of each RFK Jr. and the anti-vaccine motion, and his nomination has been celebrated by anti-vaxx leaders. Weldon has incessantly questioned vaccine security, in addition to the integrity of federal vaccine-safety opinions, and was a serious promoter of the discredited concept linking autism to childhood vaccines. In Congress, he launched laws that will have transferred the CDC’s accountability for vaccine-safety analysis to a brand new, separate HHS company. (The Challenge 2025 blueprint for the second Trump administration advocates for stripping the CDC’s energy to make vaccine suggestions.)
He additionally served because the president of the Alliance of Well being Care Sharing Ministries, which represents Christian nonprofit teams that provide low-cost health-insurance alternate options which have been topic to allegations of deceptive advertising. And Weldon was one of many congressional Republicans who intervened within the controversial case of Terri Schiavo.
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Who: Janette Nesheiwat is a household and emergency doctor, former Fox Information contributor, and a medical director at CityMD, which operates urgent-care facilities in New York and New Jersey. She additionally has her personal line of dietary dietary supplements and is the creator of the forthcoming e-book Past the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medication, through which “gripping tales of miraculous recoveries, experiences within the ER, and international medical missions illuminate the transformative energy of prayer and unwavering dedication to therapeutic and repair.” Her sister, Julia Nesheiwat, served as Homeland Safety adviser within the first Trump administration, and Trump has named her sister’s husband, Florida congressman Mike Waltz, as nationwide safety adviser for his second administration.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
Dr. Nesheiwat is a double board-certified Medical Physician with an unwavering dedication to saving and treating 1000’s of American lives. Dr. Nesheiwat is a fierce advocate and robust communicator for preventive drugs and public well being. She is dedicated to making sure that Individuals have entry to reasonably priced, high quality healthcare, and believes in empowering people to take cost of their well being to reside longer, more healthy lives.
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: Nesheiwat has little obvious expertise with public-health coverage, however she doesn’t have a historical past of criticizing vaccines, although she has opposed COVID-vaccine mandates.
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Who: Mehmet Oz is a coronary heart surgeon, longtime tv character, and crudités fan who acquired Trump’s endorsement in his 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race however misplaced to John Fetterman. He’s additionally recognized for selling doubtful well being claims, and served on Trump’s Presidential Council on Sports activities, Health and Vitamin in the course of the first Trump administration.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
America is going through a Healthcare Disaster, and there could also be no Doctor extra certified and succesful than Dr. Oz to Make America Wholesome Once more. He’s an eminent Doctor, Coronary heart Surgeon, Inventor, and World-Class Communicator, who has been on the forefront of wholesome dwelling for many years. Dr. Oz will work intently with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to tackle the sickness industrial advanced, and all of the horrible power illnesses left in its wake. Dr. Oz shall be a frontrunner in incentivizing Illness Prevention, so we get the most effective ends in the World for each greenback we spend on Healthcare in our Nice Nation. He may even lower waste and fraud inside our Nation’s costliest Authorities Company, which is a 3rd of our Nation’s Healthcare spend, and 1 / 4 of our total Nationwide Funds.
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: The daytime Emmy winner has a well-earned status for selling bizarre and false claims about well being and wellness, in addition to pushing merchandise like “miracle tablets” with doubtful well being advantages. He has additionally praised Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Make American Wholesome Once more motion.
Most significantly, Oz has no expertise managing a big forms, and has now been nominated to run one of the difficult ones within the federal authorities — which gives health-insurance protection to greater than 150 million Individuals and is the vacation spot of a few quarter of all federal spending. It’s not clear what Oz himself plans to perform as Medicare and Medicaid administrator, however he has prior to now repeatedly promoted Medicare Benefit, a program through which industrial insurance coverage firms present protection to Medicare recipients as a substitute of the federal authorities, and which critics say is costlier for taxpayers. Oz additionally holds investments in a lot of firms that profit from Medicare and Medicaid spending.
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Who: Lee Zeldin served as U.S. consultant from New York from 2015 to 2023. He ran for New York governor in 2022 however was defeated by Democrat Kathy Hochul.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a assertion posted to Fact Social:
Lee, with a really robust authorized background, has been a real fighter for America First insurance policies. He’ll guarantee truthful and swift deregulatory selections that shall be enacted in a method to unleash the facility of American companies, whereas on the similar time sustaining th highest environmental requirements, together with the cleanest air and water on the planet. He’ll set new requirements on environmental assessment and upkeep, that may permit the US to develop in a wholesome and well-structured means.
I’ve recognized Lee Zeldin for a very long time, and have watched him deal with, brilliantly, some extraordinarily troublesome and complicated conditions. I’m very proud to have him within the Trump Administration, the place he’ll rapidly show to be an incredible contributor!
Potential Points: Zeldin has virtually no expertise related to operating the EPA, however he does have expertise defending Trump in his first impeachment hearings. As The New Republic famous, “Zeldin voted to lower EPA funding, scrap its chemical compounds danger evaluation program, and block the company from taking motion to limit carbon air pollution.” In accordance with his monetary disclosure, because the starting of 2023 he made $186,000 from paid op-eds and speeches, a few of which criticized ESG or environmental, social, and governance investing.
Affirmation Standing: Zeldin was confirmed by a vote of 56 to 42.
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Who: Tulsi Gabbard represented Hawaii within the U.S. Home from 2013 to 2021. She is a Nationwide Guard veteran who served in Iraq.
Gabbard ran for president as a Democrat in 2020 and endorsed Joe Biden when she ended her marketing campaign. Two years later, she left the Democratic Occasion and have become a daily at right-wing venues like Fox Information and CPAC. She endorsed Trump for president in 2024.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: In a assertion connected to Gabbard’s biography, Trump stated:
For over 20 years, Tulsi has fought for our Nation and the Freedoms of all Individuals. As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad help in each Events — she is now a proud Republican! I do know Tulsi will deliver the fearless spirit that has outlined her illustrious profession to our Intelligence Group, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace by Energy. Tulsi will make us all proud!
Potential Points: Gabbard has no formal intelligence expertise and is recognized for her sympathetic views towards Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren summed up her critics’ issues, asking, “Do you really need her to have all of the secrets and techniques of the US and our protection intelligence companies when she has so clearly been in Putin’s pocket?”
Affirmation Standing: Gabbard was confirmed by a vote of 52-48.
Graphic: Intelligencer; Photograph: Getty
Who: Russell Vought served in the identical position in the course of the first Trump administration, and previous to that labored as a VP on the Heritage Basis’s Heritage Motion lobbying group. Vought, a self-described Christian nationalist, is the founding father of the Middle for Renewing America, one of many suppose tanks making ready for a second Trump administration, and he’s a co-author of the Heritage Basis’s Challenge 2025 blueprint.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
He did a wonderful job serving on this position in my First Time period — We lower 4 Rules for each new Regulation, and it was a Nice Success! Russ graduated with a B.A. from Wheaton School, and acquired his J.D. from the Washington College Faculty of Legislation. Russ has spent a few years working in Public Coverage in Washington, D.C., and is an aggressive value cutter and deregulator who will assist us implement our America First Agenda throughout all Companies. Russ is aware of precisely dismantle the Deep State and finish Weaponized Authorities, and he’ll assist us return Self Governance to the Individuals. We’ll restore fiscal sanity to our Nation, and unleash the American Individuals to new ranges of Prosperity and Ingenuity.
Potential Points: Vought is already deeply concerned in plans to engineer extra energy for Trump. Within the first Trump administration, Vought examined the authorized boundaries of White Home energy by impounding or diverting federal spending, and was considered one of architects of a late effort to strip civil-service protections from as many as tens of 1000’s of profession federal workers, which might have meant they may very well be fired with out trigger or recourse. Within the Challenge 2025 chapter he authored, Vought referred to as for OMB for use to dramatically consolidate Trump’s govt energy and eradicate independence amongst federal companies. He has additionally referred to as for reinterpreting the Structure — or “radical constitutionalism” — to attain Trump’s targets, and he has drafted every kind of utmost proposals, together with utilizing the army in opposition to Individuals protesters and ending the Justice Division’s longstanding political independence.
Affirmation Standing: Vought was confirmed by a vote of 53 to 47.
Graphic: Intelligencer; Photograph: Getty
Who: Matt Whitaker was briefly performing legal professional basic in the course of the first Trump administration, and earlier than that, a U.S. Legal professional for the Southern District of Iowa.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated in a Fact Social put up:
Matt is a powerful warrior and dependable Patriot, who will guarantee the US’ pursuits are superior and defended. Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand agency within the face of threats to Peace and Stability – He’ll put AMERICA FIRST
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: Whitaker has no background in overseas coverage or nationwide safety, and it’s not clear why Trump picked him to be NATO ambassador.
Graphic: Intelligencer; Pictures: Getty
Who: Elise Stefanik is a U.S. consultant from New York and the fourth-ranking member in Home GOP management.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: In a assertion posted to Fact Social, he stated:
Elise is a powerful and really sensible America First fighter … She was the primary Member of Congress to endorse me, and has all the time been a staunch advocate. Elisa is a senior Member of the Home Armed Providers Committee, the Home Intelligence Committee, and led the cost in opposition to antisemitism on faculty campuses. She shall be an unimaginable Ambassador to the United Nation, delivering Peace by Energy and America Fist Nationwide Safety insurance policies!
Requires Affirmation: Sure.
Potential Points: Stefanik has little diplomatic or foreign-policy experience, other than serving on Home national-security committees. Because the New York Occasions notes, “she has repeatedly accused the U.N. of being stricken by ‘antisemitic rot’ and proposed blocking funding for the United Nations company for Palestinian refugees.” Additionally, she defended Trump in his first impeachment hearings. She shouldn’t have any bother getting confirmed.
Graphic: Intelligencer; Photograph: Getty
Who: Elon Musk is the world’s richest individual; chief govt of Tesla and SpaceX; proprietor of X and its self-proclaimed “Chief Troll Officer.” He was Trump’s most well-known surrogate within the 2024 election and poured $118 million right into a pro-Trump super-PAC. Vivek Ramaswamy was initially supposed to guide DOGE with Musk, however he confirmed that he’d left the fee hours after Trump’s inauguration.
{Qualifications}, In accordance with Trump: He stated, in a prolonged assertion that included a quote from Musk and musings on the Republicans’ longtime dream of downsizing the federal government:
Collectively these two fantastic Individuals will pave the way in which for my Administration to dismantle Authorities Forms, slash extra rules, lower wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Companies – Important to the “Save America” Motion. “This may ship shockwaves by the system, and anybody concerned in Authorities waste, which is lots of people!” acknowledged Mr. Musk.
It is going to develop into, probably, “The Manhattan Challenge” of our time.
Requires Affirmation: No, that is a wholly made-up “division” that technically isn’t even within the authorities.
Potential Points: Musk is simply offering “recommendation and steering” on drastically restructure and dismantle the federal authorities. Nonetheless, may his monetary pursuits create huge conflicts of curiosity? Ethics consultants definitely have some questions!
This put up has been up to date.