FOCUS – Since his victory in the presidential election, Donald Trump has increased the number of appointments of those close to him to head different “departments”. Together, these “Secretaries” form the “Cabinet”.
Barely had he won the presidential election against Kamala Harris when Donald Trump began to name his potential future ministers – it is up to the Senate to confirm his choices. Since November 5, 2024, therefore, the names have been listed through declarations and press releases.
Among them are those of SpaceX founder Elon Musk who would be given a brand new ministry of “government efficiency”, of veteran and Fox News journalist Pete Hegseth who could take the reins of Defense, of anti-vaccine Robert Kennedy Jr . expected at the Ministry of Health and those of other Trumpists devoted to the future tenant of the Oval Office. If they are nominated, they will in turn be able to appoint faithful. When the new power is established, the previous administration gives way to a new public function in the hands of the president: this is called the “spoil system”.
Advisor roles
These ministers, called “secretaries”, form the “Cabinet”. His role “is to advise the president on any subject that he may need to address in relation to the functions of each member who composes it”explains the White House website. Joe Biden's current Cabinet is made up of Vice President Kamala Harris and fifteen Secretaries.
In the first row is the Secretary of State (United States Secretary of State), in charge of the “department” of Foreign Affairs. The future head of American diplomacy could be Florida Senator Marco Rubio, known for his anti-China positions. Succeeds in protocol order on Secretary of the Treasury. As his name suggests, he is the Minister of Finance, responsible for advising the president on economic, tax and budgetary policies.
The head of the armed forces – in France “Minister of Defense” – has the title of Secretary of Defense. Suit l’Attorney Generalthat is to say the Minister of Justice. The future attorney general is expected to be Matt Gaetz, one of his most devout supporters.
The Secretary of the Interiorhe… is not in charge of the security forces as is the case in France. The United States Secretary of the Interior actually advises the POTUS on the exploitation of natural resources and the management of public lands – more than a quarter of the territory – such as parks and national monuments. This portfolio should go to Doug Burgum, who should then develop oil, mining and gas production. The minister in charge of organizing and ensuring the internal security of the United States has the title of Secretary of Homeland Security. Donald Trump nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to the post.
The perimeters of the other departments are unequivocal: Agriculture, Commerce, Work, Health, Accommodation et urban development, Transport, Energy, Education et Veterans.
Directors and Ambassadors
Donald Trump has also started to name other very strategic people close to him. Among the latter are “Cabinet-rank” administration positions. In detail, people occupying these functions can attend Cabinet meetings but are not Secretaries in charge of a department.
Among them, the White House Chief of Staff also called Secretary General. Considered one of the most powerful people in the United States, the latter is the most important member of the Executive Office of the President, the “Brain Trust”, which advises him directly – some members of this Office are also members of the Cabinet . Donald Trump has chosen Susie Wiles, his campaign manager.
Lawyer Lee Zeldin will be the future Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Its mission will be to “restore US energy dominance” while “protecting access to clean air and water”. The Budget Directorhe advises the president in the preparation of the budget. THE Director of Intelligence National, finally, is in charge of coordinating the country's 18 intelligence agencies. Donald Trump nominated Tulsi Gabbard to this post. A controversial figure due to his relationships with the Russian and Syrian regimes.
Elise Stefanik was appointed by the former real estate mogul Ambassador to the United Nationswhose role is to represent his country on the Security Council and during plenary assemblies. L'Trade Ambassador (or representative) chosen by Donald Trump should be lawyer Robert Lighthizer. He will be in charge of international trade policy. Finally, appointments to other strategic positions such as that of Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisorsd’Small Business Administration Administrator or from Scientific advisor will need to be scrutinized closely.
