Several common keywords can be identified in the appointments of Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, whose second-term administration is being filled with loyalists one after another. A representative example is the fact that the foreign and security lineups, whose appointment procedures are virtually complete, are composed of ‘hardliners’ with anti-China and anti-immigration tendencies. These individuals also prominently reflect the ‘America First’ ideology that Trump has advocated. Additionally, figures who have been politically active in Florida, which serves as a political base, those with military service records, and billionaire tycoons who played a significant financial role during the presidential election are also being appointed to key positions one after another.
Loyalty as a Basic Requirement... Gathering Anti-China and America First Figures
Last week, Trump began his appointments by naming ‘loyal kingmaker’ Susie Wiles, who led the presidential campaign behind the scenes, as White House Chief of Staff. As of the night of the 13th (local time), he has appointed the border czar, White House National Security Advisor, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director, Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Deputy Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Advisor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General.
In his first administration, some policy brakes were applied several times due to opposition from certain cabinet members. For now, Trump is making ‘proven loyalists’ a prerequisite in the appointment process. The nomination of Congressman Matt Gaetz, who has been embroiled in controversies including far-right and prostitution allegations, as Attorney General today is also because he is a ‘loyalist among loyalists’ who professes to be a devotee of America First. Many others, such as Senator Marco Rubio, who was selected as Secretary of State, were even once considered as Trump’s running mate (vice presidential) candidates, confirming their loyalty.
The policy stance prominently features anti-China, anti-immigration, and America First colors. All key positions playing a central role in national security policy have been filled by individuals who have demanded a tough stance against adversarial countries such as China and Iran. Rubio, who has consistently supported various anti-China sanctions in Congress, as well as Congressman Mike Waltz and former DNI Director John Ratcliffe, who were appointed as National Security Advisor and CIA Director respectively, have all warned that China is the ‘greatest threat.’ Key positions responsible for implementing the top campaign pledge of ‘mass deportation of illegal immigrants’ have been filled by Stephen Miller, former White House Senior Advisor and policy architect, and Tom Homan, former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who uphold an anti-immigration stance.
In particular, Trump emphasized that these individuals have a strong commitment to America First. Regarding Peter Hegseth, a 40-something Fox News host who attracted attention as a groundbreaking Secretary of Defense appointee, Trump described him as a “true believer in America First.” He called Congressman Waltz a “strong advocate of America First foreign policy.” He nominated former Congressman Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, who will overturn President Joe Biden’s environmental policies, introducing him as a “true warrior of America First policies.” For Ellis Stefanik, appointed as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Trump said she “will bring peace through strength and America First national security policies.”
Other Appointment Highlights: ‘Florida Faction,’ ‘Military,’ and ‘Wealthy’
The second-term administration also includes many figures based in Florida, Trump’s ‘second hometown’ where he has his residence. The three key foreign and security policy positions?National Security Advisor, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense?have all gone to individuals representing Florida districts. Although Susie Wiles, Trump’s first appointment as White House Chief of Staff, is originally from New Jersey, she has been active mainly in Florida. Robert Lighthizer, former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), who is rumored to be appointed as Secretary of Commerce, also resides in Florida, which is expected to further strengthen the Florida faction’s momentum.
Many appointees also have military backgrounds. Hegseth and Congressman Waltz, who have been appointed to key security positions, are veterans with combat experience in Afghanistan and other battlefields. However, unlike the usual appointment of retired generals as Secretary of Defense or National Security Advisor, both are field-grade officers. Former Congressman Tulsi Gabbard, appointed as DNI Director overseeing U.S. intelligence agencies, enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2003 and currently serves as a reserve lieutenant colonel in Oklahoma.
Additionally, the second-term administration includes major donors who played a significant role in Trump’s election victory, such as Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, known as the ‘world’s richest person.’ Steve Witkoff, a real estate tycoon and long-time ‘golf buddy’ of Trump, was named Middle East envoy. Local media reported that even if major donors do not hold key positions in Trump’s second administration, they exert strong behind-the-scenes influence. Scott Bessent, a billionaire fund manager, is also a leading candidate for Treasury Secretary in Trump’s second term.
Remaining key administration positions include Secretary of the Treasury, Interior, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Energy. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is considered a strong candidate for ‘energy czar.’ Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and once a leading candidate for Attorney General, and Senator Bill Hagerty, who urged an immediate halt to aid to Ukraine, are also expected to be appointed to key posts. The New York Times (NYT) reported today that Dan Gallagher, Chief Legal Officer of Robinhood, and Chris Giancarlo, former Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), are among those being mentioned as candidates for SEC Chairman, who is gaining attention for easing cryptocurrency regulations.
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