By Ariel Kahana – IsraelHayom.com
Following his presidential victory, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to begin selecting the members of his new cabinet soon. Final decisions are anticipated in the coming weeks, with several candidates being vetted for multiple positions simultaneously.
In a wide-ranging interview on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast last month, Trump declared that his “biggest mistake” during his first term was hiring “bad people, or disloyal people” to his White House team.
The former president effectively acknowledged errors in his staffing choices, which led to an exceptionally high turnover rate among senior administration officials.
Several former senior officials who departed or were dismissed became vocal critics of Trump after leaving their positions. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton published a highly critical memoir about his tenure. For his upcoming term, Trump intends to place significantly greater emphasis on personal loyalty as the central criterion in staff selection.
According to multiple sources and reports in American media outlets, the State Department leadership is likely to be determined from among three contenders: former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
Sources indicate that for the crucial position of US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, who maintains a decades-long relationship with the president-elect and served in the same role during Trump’s first term, is being strongly considered for reappointment.
Former US Ambassador Richard Grenell, who served as Trump’s envoy to Germany, has emerged as a leading candidate for national security advisor.
The defense secretary position has drawn three prominent candidates: former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Representative Mike Waltz of Florida.
For the Department of Homeland Security leadership, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan, former Acting Secretary Chad Wolf, and Representative Mark Green are under consideration.
Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and Senator Mike Lee lead the field of candidates for Attorney General.
For White House chief of staff, the highest-ranking position within the president’s inner circle, veteran political strategist Susie Wiles has emerged as the leading candidate. Wiles, widely credited as the mastermind behind Trump’s recent election victory, may be joined in the senior leadership team by former Trump White House official Brooke Rollins, who is also under consideration for the role.
The treasury secretary position has attracted five high-profile candidates: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, though sources indicate uncertainty about his willingness to accept; former Soros Fund Management executive Scott Bessent; hedge fund manager John Paulson; Fox News commentator Larry Kudlow; and former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who served during Trump’s first term.
Sources close to the transition process emphasize that these selections remain fluid, noting Trump’s penchant for last-minute decisions and willingness to reverse course. His decisive victory two nights ago has significantly expanded his options for filling these crucial positions, an advantage the president-elect appears poised to leverage fully.
VIDEO: Economist and former Trump administration official Peter Navarro discusses possible picks
I doubt anyone with the power to persuade him is reading this, but I personally think Pompeo would be the best choice for Secretary of State and would likely have more impact on that role than Secretary of Defense. He was an exceptional Secretary of State already, and has more guts, I think, than the names considered. He has clear views, a sense of what is right, and does not waver.
You mean the same Pompeo that made the infamous “ peace” deal with the very “ peaceful “ Talibans … yeah that was a great idea to give in to Islamists terrorists and Biden botched the shameful departure.. please No Pompeo !
Pompeo was not the one interested in that deal. He was the Secretary of State, however, who presided over the recognition of the Golan Heights as sovereign Israeli territory, who personally recognized our communities in Judea and Samaria as not being “illegal,” who personally advocated for tough policies against the ayatollahs of Iran, and who has been an ally of our people both inside and outside government, tirelessly. He is by far the best friend that the Jewish people have ever had as Secretary of State, and he is at least as favorable to us as his former boss, if… Read more »