Donald Trump loyalists rewarded

Donald Trump is making progress in forming his future administration, appointing loyalists to key positions. He also demanded that they be able to assume their functions without going through the laborious Senate confirmation processes.

Elise Stefanik

Donald Trump has chosen Elise Stefanik, a representative from New York State, for the post of United States ambassador to the United Nations. “Elise is an America First fighter, incredibly strong, tenacious and intelligent,” he said. ​​Elected to Congress in 2014 at just 30 years old, Elise Stefanik has gradually established herself among Donald Trump’s strongest supporters. She notably defended him during his first impeachment proceedings in 2019, then refused to certify the presidential election won in 2020 by Joe Biden. An ardent supporter of Israel, she also accused the UN in mid-October of “languishing in anti-Semitism”.

Tom Homan

The burning issue of immigration control at the borders will be entrusted to Tom Homan, a hard-liner. He is the former director of the agency responsible for border control and immigration (ICE). “I have known Tom for a long time, and there is no one better than him to monitor and control our borders,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network, calling him “border czar.” Tom Homan will be responsible for “all expulsions of illegal aliens to their country of origin,” added Donald Trump, thereby recalling his promise to launch, from the first day of his mandate, the largest expulsion operation of irregular migrants in the history of the United States.

Stephen Miller

Mr. Trump named longtime adviser Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy. Mr. Miller played a central role in many of his policy decisions, including helping to shape several of his speeches and immigration plans. Since leaving the White House, Mr. Miller has served as president of America First Legal, an organization of former advisers to Donald Trump that challenges the Biden administration, the media, universities and other organizations on issues issues such as freedom of expression and religion, or even national security. He was a big presence during Mr. Trump’s campaign, often speaking before him at rallies.

Lee Zeldin

Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin has been chosen to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “He will ensure that deregulatory decisions are fair and timely, and that they are adopted in a way that unleashes the power of American businesses, while maintaining the highest environmental standards,” Mr. Trump said in a statement. Under Joe Biden, the EPA announced new standards to limit CO emissions₂ cars and coal-fired power plants. Mr. Zeldin is a surprising choice for this position. He has often spoken out on issues such as national security, anti-Semitism and immigration.

Sources : Associated Press et Agence France-Presse