'Gukgyeongchar' Tom Horman Followed by Appointments of Zeldin and Sturpanik
Continued Loyalist Selections to Enforce America First Policy
"Miller to Be Appointed White House Deputy Chief of Staff Within Days"
"Mike Waltz Named National Security Advisor"
The key personnel themes for President-elect Donald Trump's second administration are summarized as 'loyalty' and 'America First.' Following his first appointment of Suzy Wiles, the 'loyal kingmaker' who led the presidential campaign behind the scenes, as White House Chief of Staff, he plans to appoint former White House Senior Advisor Steven Miller, who designed his major pledge of 'mass deportation of illegal immigrants,' as Deputy Chief of Staff. For the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head, who will overturn President Joe Biden's environmental policies, he chose former Congressman Lee Zeldin, and for the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Representative Elise Stefanik. All are prominent pro-Trump loyalists who have claimed '2020 election fraud.'
On the 11th (local time), CNN reported, citing multiple sources, that President-elect Trump will appoint former Senior Advisor Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff for policy within days. Miller, who served in Trump's first administration, was the architect of the large-scale illegal immigrant deportation pledge ahead of this election. Throughout the campaign, he appeared as a close aide, traveling with Trump on his private plane and appearing as a rally speaker. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance also shared this news on X (formerly Twitter) that day, confirming it as "another fantastic choice by the President." Additionally, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Representative Mike Waltz, a former CEO of a defense company, has been nominated as White House National Security Advisor.
On the same day, President-elect Trump also issued a statement naming the EPA head and U.S. Ambassador to the UN, who will reverse Biden's environmental policies. He introduced former Congressman Lee Zeldin, nominated as EPA Administrator, as a "true warrior of America First policy," emphasizing that "through fair and swift deregulation, we will unleash the power of American businesses while maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet." Regarding Representative Stefanik, appointed as U.S. Ambassador to the UN, he said she "will be an incredibly excellent UN Ambassador who brings peace through strength and America First national security policy."
From the left in the photo: Tom Homan, former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appointed during the second Trump administration, Representative Elise Stefanik, and former Representative Lee Zeldin. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.
Like the previously appointed White House Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles and 'border czar' Tom Homan, they share the commonality of being prominent pro-Trump figures who actively supported President-elect Trump's reelection. Former Congressman Zeldin, from New York, is a pro-Trump figure who agreed with claims of election fraud, opposing the certification of President Biden's victory at the January 6, 2021 joint session of Congress. Representative Stefanik was initially classified as a moderate when she entered politics in 2014 as the youngest member of Congress but later turned pro-Trump. Even before President-elect Trump declared his reelection bid, she expressed support within the Republican Party, stating that "we must unite around the most popular candidate." She was also once mentioned as a potential running mate for Trump ahead of this year's election.
For President-elect Trump, these appointments satisfy both loyalty and America First, the keywords for his second administration. This also explains why he officially stated that Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, and Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State?who competed fiercely during the Republican presidential primaries?would not be invited to the second administration. The gap is also evident in that they emphasize alliances, unlike Trump, who prefers America First and diplomatic isolationism.
The EPA Administrator and U.S. Ambassador to the UN require Senate confirmation. The National Security Advisor is appointed by the President without needing confirmation. President-elect Trump announced the day before that "any Republican senator aspiring to leadership in the U.S. Senate must agree to a recess appointment in the Senate," signaling his intention to neutralize congressional checks during cabinet formation. A recess appointment allows the President to officially appoint candidates without Senate confirmation during congressional recess. The three main candidates vying for the Senate Republican leadership all expressed agreement with this.
Additionally, local media are naming Jay Clayton, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as a leading candidate for Attorney General. Robert Lighthizer, former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), who led the trade war with China in the first administration, is likely to take a key economic cabinet position, including Secretary of Commerce. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is mentioned as the 'energy czar.' Senator Bill Hagerty, who called for an immediate halt to support for Ukraine, is also expected to be appointed to a key position.
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