President-elect Trump 2025 Key Administration Picks

Portrait of President-elect Donald Trump. (Courtesy/Unsplash.com)

President-elect Donald Trump has begun naming his cabinet and senior staff for his upcoming administration. The selections reveal a blend of loyalists, political allies and controversial figures, with many appointments reflecting campaign promises to enact sweeping policy changes.

After Election Day on Nov. 5, President-elect Donald Trump wasted no time on the announcement of some of his new cabinet members for his upcoming presidency. Here’s who we know so far:

Director of National Intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard 

Former Democratic congresswoman turned Trump ally, Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination sparked debate over her limited national intelligence experience. The role oversees the nation’s intelligence agencies, a sector Trump has vowed to reshape to align with his agenda. 

Homeland Security Secretary

Kristi Noem 

This South Dakota governor,  who garnered attention for sending National Guard troops to the southern border, will oversee immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. Kristi Noem’s appointment aligns with Trump’s promise to increase deportation and border security. 

Secretary of State

Marco Rubio

The Florida senator, a former presidential rival, was chosen to lead the State Department. Marco Rubio’s views align with Trump’s on key foreign policy issues, signaling a focus on strong bilateral alliances and conservative diplomacy. 

Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

Lee Zeldin

The former congressman from New York will lead the EPA with a mandate to roll back environmental regulations introduced under the Biden administration, emphasizing economic growth over climate change initiatives.

U.N. Ambassador

Elise Stefanik

A focal Trump supporter and House Republican leader, Elise Stefanik is poised to represent the U.S. at the United Nations, where her conservative stance on global issues could redefine U.S. engagement.

Border “Czar”

Tom Homan

A longtime ally of Donald Trump, Tom Homan was appointed as the “border czar” in the 2024 Trump administration. Previously, Homan served as the acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from 2017 to 2018.

In his new role, he will oversee border security, including the southern and northern borders, as well as maritime and aviation security. Homan will also be responsible for directing the administration’s deportation efforts and targeting illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal histories. 

Deputy of Chief Staff for Policy & Homeland Security Advisor

Stephen Miller

A long-time advisor to Donald Trump, Stephen Miller was announced as the deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor in Trump’s 2024 administration. Miller is known for his hardline stance on immigration such as his role in Trump’s first administration in family separations in the U.S.-Mexico border.  

Ambassador to Israel

Mike Huckabee

A former Arkansas governor and prominent evangelical leader, Mike Huckabee was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Throughout his career, Huckabee has been a strong supporter of Israel. He is expected to advocate for policies supporting Israeli settlements and conservative Middle East strategies.

“Mike Huckabee has been a steadfast ally to Donald Trump’s administration, often acting as a bridge to evangelical voters and a vocal supporter of the administration’s policies,”  political analyst Sarah Whitmore said.

Central Intelligence Agency

John Ratcliffe

John Ratcliffe, former Texas congressman and Trump ally was appointed to lead the Central Intelligence Agency in Donald Trump’s 2024 administration. Previously serving as Director of National Intelligence from 2020 to 2021, Ratcliffe earned a reputation for aligning closely with Trump’s priorities, including his skepticism toward the intelligence community. In his new role, Ratcliffe is expected to advance Trump’s agenda of restructuring intelligence agencies to ensure loyalty and transparency.

Cabinet Secretary

William McGinley

A long-time Republican, William McGinely was appointed to the White House Counsel in Donald Trump’s 2024 administration. McGinley will oversee legal matters within the White House, guiding the administration on policies, executive orders, and potential legal challenges. 

Defense Secretary

Pete Hegseth

A combat veteran and longtime Fox News commentator, Pete Hegseth was named Secretary of Defense in Donald Trump’s 2024 administration. Known for his vocal support of Trump and hardline stance on military and foreign policy, Hegseth is expected to focus on strengthening the U.S. military while aligning the department’s operations closely with Trump’s America-first policies. [mention his lack of experience in leadership positions)]

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Doug Collins

Doug Collins, a former U.S. Representative from Georgia, was nominated as Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Donald Trump’s 2024 administration. A military chaplain in the Air Force Reserve and an experienced legislator, Collins’ new role involves managing benefits, healthcare, and supporting programs for millions of U.S. veterans.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Robert Kennedy Jr.

Robert Kennedy Jr. was announced as the Secretary of Health and Human Services in Trump’s 2024 administration. A former Democratic presidential candidate who later endorsed Trump, Kennedy Jr. is expected to have a significant role in focusing on health-related issues, including public health and chronic childhood diseases, and environmental health matters

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Head of the Department of Government Efficiency

Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Trump’s 2024 administration. Together, they are tasked with restructuring federal agencies and improving operational efficiency by July 4, 2026, which will coincide with the U.S.’s 250th Independence Day. 

Musk has pledged to identify $2 trillion in federal spending cuts, aiming to streamline government operations. 

“Elon Musk was both a critic and an asset during the Trump administration, leveraging his influence to shape policy while maintaining a degree of independence,” Dr. Amanda Collins, a political science professor at Georgetown University, said

What does this mean for HBCUs? 

Although these appointments do not directly address historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), broader policy shifts may have indirect effects. For instance, broader budgetary adjustments under this administration could shift federal funding allocations, potentially affecting Pell Grants and research funding critical to HBCUs.

Also, changes in environmental regulations under Zeldin’s EPA could affect communities surrounding HBCUs, as many are located in urban areas vulnerable to pollution.

“The Trump administration’s early engagement with HBCUs signaled an opportunity to prioritize their needs, but the follow-through often fell short,” said Lionel Girard, a leading expert on HBCUs and professor at Rutgers University. “While some initiatives like increased funding were beneficial, the lack of sustained advocacy and inconsistent policy decisions left many HBCU leaders questioning the administration’s long-term commitment to their institutions’ success.”