Elon Musk, Kristi Noem, Mike Waltz and more: Trump's most important appointments so far

Newly elected President of the United States Donald Trump has moved quickly to fill positions in his incoming administration, appointing loyalists to several key posts within days of his election victory and signaling his desire to seat some without a confirmation process in the Senate.

The personnel choices are the subject of intense speculation and scrutiny, with Trump promising that his second administration will oversee a radical shake-up of the federal government. On Tuesday (local time), Trump announced a series of new positions. Here's what you need to know.

Entrepreneurs will lead the 'efficiency' department

Trump has announced that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, will lead a so-called Department of Government Efficiency together with American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy – both outspoken supporters of Trump during his re-election campaign.

“Together, these two great Americans will pave the way for my administration to dismantle the government bureaucracy, eliminate excess regulations, reduce wasteful spending and restructure federal agencies – essential to the 'Save America' movement,” Trump said in a statement statement on social media. on Tuesday (local time).

Elon Musk shrugs toward a lectern and microphone. He wears a black hat with the text "Make America great again".

Elon Musk speaks at a Trump campaign rally in October. Source: AAP, AP / Evan Vucci

Trump also appointed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to head the US Department of Homeland Security, a powerful position central to the Republican's hardline immigration policies.

He also nominated military veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.

Trump chooses security adviser and ambassador to Israel

On Tuesday, Trump also confirmed his choice of Mike Waltz, a former US special forces officer, for the influential role of national security adviser.
Trump described the Republican congressman as “a nationally recognized leader in national security” and “an expert on the threats from China, Russia, Iran and global terrorism.”
Waltz has publicly portrayed China as an “existential” threat to the US and sharply criticized the Russian government.
Trump also said he will nominate former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as US ambassador to Israel.

Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, is a staunch supporter of Israel and defender of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal by most of the international community.

A man speaking into microphones on a stage. A giant red flag behind him reads: “Build Israel Great Again.”

Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister and former Fox News host, served as governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. Source: AAP, AP / Oded Balilty

“He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and the people of Israel love him in the same way. Mike will work tirelessly to bring peace to the Middle East!” Trump said in a statement.

Huckabee, 69, has criticized President Joe Biden for pressuring Israel to moderate its behavior in the Gaza war.

What other appointments has Trump confirmed?

Trump won't be inaugurated until January. Shortly after winning the US elections, he announced his appointment as his White House chief of staff.
The 78-year-old Republican said this on Sunday while US media reported he would nominate New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a vocal ally, as United Nations (UN) ambassador.

Stephen Miller, another fierce critic of illegal immigration who served in Trump's first administration, will become deputy chief of staff.

Homan's tough immigration policies make him a loyal hand in carrying out the new president's deportation promises, while Stefanik, who has expressed strong support for Israel, will represent the government as the UN grapples with the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Stefanik's nomination would require Senate approval, but Trump hopes to bypass Congress by making appointments while the House is in recess.

He has turned the issue into a loyalty test, insisting that any Republican seeking to become Senate leader “must agree” to suspending appointments.

A woman speaks on a stage during the Republican election campaign.

Elise Stefanik has been a staunch defender of Israel. Source: AP / Evan Vucci

Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has a sharp view on immigration, as does Miller, who served as Trump's senior adviser and speechwriter during his first term.

Curbing illegal immigration was one of Trump's central campaign promises when he pledged to launch the largest deportation operation of undocumented migrants in US history from day one.

Who is reportedly in line?

Trump is expected to select Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State.
In recent years, the senator has advocated an assertive foreign policy toward America's geopolitical enemies, including China, Iran and Cuba.

In recent years, he has softened some of his positions to better align with Trump's views. The newly elected president accuses former US presidents of leading the country into costly and pointless wars and has urged a more restrained foreign policy.

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