Trump is selecting candidates for his upcoming administration: Who's in and who's out?
(This story was updated to add new information.)
President-elect Donald Trump has begun selecting high-ranking administration officials following last week’s election victory. Some former staffers will assume new positions, while others will not be asked back.
Here’s a snapshot of the early picks for some of the key posts overseeing diplomacy, immigration, environmental, and overall strategy starting Jan. 20, 2025:
Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff
Trump announced last week that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will serve as his chief of staff. She will be the first woman to serve in the role. “Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” Trump said in the statement. “Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again.”
During Trump’s first administration, four people served as White House Chief of Staff: Reince Priebus, John Kelly, Mick Mulvaney, and Mark Meadows.
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
Trump is expected to name Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy. He previously served as a senior advisor to Trump and director of speechwriting during his first term. While Trump has not formally announced him as his pick, Vice President-elect JD Vance and Corey Lewandowski, a senior adviser in the 2024 Trump campaign, congratulated Miller on Monday on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
“This is another fantastic pick by the president,” Vance said.
Tom Homan to be considered as the ‘Border Czar’
Tom Homan will serve as the “border czar,” Trump announced Sunday, managing the country’s borders. He previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from his first administration. Trump said on Truth Social that Homan’s position will manage “the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.” Homan will prioritize deporting immigrants living in the United States without legal permission.
More: Who has Trump picked for his Cabinet so far? Latest staff selections include Rep. Mike Waltz
Elise Stefanik to be considered for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations
U.S. House Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, will serve as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, according to the president-election on Monday. The position was previously held by Nikki Haley, who Trump announced would not be invited to rejoin the administration. The congresswoman represents the Empire State's 21st Congressional District seat and is Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference. She assumed both roles in 2021, following the departure of former Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.
Stefanik will serve in the role as Trump has promised to Israel’s war in Gaza, as well as the Russia-Ukraine war.
Mike Huckabee to be considered for U.S. ambassador to Israel
Trump said on Tuesday he is going to nominate former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to be the U.S. ambassador to Israel.
Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, is a staunch supporter of Israel and defender of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, considered illegal by most of the international community.
"He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!" Trump said in a statement.
Lee Zeldin to be considered for the Environmental Protection Agency
Trump announced former House Representative Lee Zeldin of New York as his nomination for the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday. Zeldin served as New York’s 1st Congressional District from 20215 until 2023. He lost his race for governor against Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Zeldin is expected to help roll back many of the climate regulations set by the Biden administration as Trump pushes an expansion of fossil-fuel energy.
Kristi Noem to be considered for Homeland Security Secretary
Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next Homeland Security Secretary, two sources familiar with the decision said on Tuesday.
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for everything from border protection and immigration to disaster response and the U.S. Secret Service.
Who will not be asked to join?
In addition to Nikki Haley, Trump announced that former director of the CIA, Mike Pompeo, will not be asked to join his second administration. His name was previously rumored to be floated as an option for the next secretary of defense.
Who else is rumored to be nominated?
Sources told Reuters on Monday that Trump was expected to tap U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, R-Florida, as his secretary of state.
Reuters contributed to the reporting of this story.
Victor Hagan is the Alabama Election Reporting Fellow for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at [email protected] or on X @TheVictorHagan. To support his work, subscribe to the Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump cabinet picks, administration positions: Who's in and out?