Trump’s Swift Cabinet Shake-Up: Key Appointments Surge in Turbulent Post-Election Week

by Ashley Murray, Arizona Mirror
November 15, 2024

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump is swiftly assembling his Cabinet and senior staff as he announces his choice for the Department of the Interior. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, once a presidential rival, will take charge of the department overseeing vast federal lands and tribal relations. Burgum will also lead a newly established National Energy Council, created to promote U.S. energy independence.

In just over a week since his election victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Trump has outlined around half of his intended nominees across 15 executive departments. However, each pick requires Senate confirmation, suggesting that contentious nominees could face challenges. This includes appointing a Fox News host to oversee military affairs and a vaccine skeptic as health chief.

Former U.S. Representative Doug Collins of Georgia has been nominated as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This agency provides care to over 9 million veterans and manages a budget of $369.3 billion for the upcoming year. Collins, who served from 2013 to 2021, brings a military background and legal expertise to the role.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been chosen as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Responsible for significant spending on Medicare and Medicaid, the department also includes the FDA and CDC. Known for spreading vaccine misinformation, Kennedy withdrew from the 2024 presidential race to endorse Trump.

Trump is also nominating his defense attorney, D. John Sauer, as Solicitor General. Sauer represented Trump in a Supreme Court case regarding presidential immunity and has a controversial legal history, including support for extraordinary claims that could fall under presidential authority.

In a surprising move, Trump announced former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. Gaetz resigned shortly after Trump’s announcement, as he faced an impending ethics report tied to allegations of misconduct. His nomination may spark debates in the Senate, given his controversial past.

Within the past week, Trump has nominated several prominent figures: Jay Clayton for U.S. Attorney, Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, and Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, among others. The president-elect also revealed plans for a new “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, though details about its functions remain vague.

This article has been updated to reflect the correct title for Jay Clayton.

Last updated 9:18 a.m., Nov. 16, 2024