The newly elected U.S. President, Donald Trump, has begun the process of selecting members for his administration for a second term in the White House.
During the presidential campaign, Trump avoided directly confirming potential appointments but frequently hinted at who might be part of his inner circle of collaborators.
It is expected that Trump’s selections for positions in the cabinet, administration, and advisory roles will be announced in the coming days and weeks, as his transition team prepares for the return of Republicans to the White House in January. Who are the main candidates?
Elon Musk
Tech billionaire Elon Musk became one of Trump’s most vocal supporters several months before the election, donating at least $119 million to Trump’s campaign in seven key swing states, according to Index.hr.
His loyalty will likely be rewarded, as Trump has promised Musk a role at the head of a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), named after the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, which Musk frequently promotes.
According to Trump, the task of this department would be to carry out a full financial and operational audit of the federal government, allowing Musk to simplify bureaucratic processes that both he and Trump see as obstacles to American progress.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of his independent presidential campaign to support Trump in August, a move that was condemned by members of his family.
Trump has promised him a role focused on healthcare policy, and Kennedy has hinted that one of the initiatives could be the removal of fluoride from public water systems.
Kennedy, the son of politician Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of assassinated President John F. Kennedy, is known for his vaccine skepticism and has frequently spread debunked claims during the pandemic.
Don Jr., Eric, and Lara Trump
Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were key advisors during his first term. However, in 2023, Trump stated that he did not want his children to serve in the administration again because it was “too painful for the family.”
Nevertheless, Eric and Don Jr. played significant roles in the campaign, while Eric’s wife, Lara, is active in politics as co-chair of the Republican Party.
Mike Pompeo
Former CIA Director and Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, is considered a leading candidate for Secretary of Defense or a role related to national security and diplomacy.
Pompeo is one of Trump’s closest allies.
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Richard Grenell
Richard Grenell, Trump’s foreign policy advisor, is being considered for National Security Advisor. His connections with foreign leaders and his hardline approach make him a controversial figure, but he could be part of the new administration.
This could be particularly significant for Serbia and the Balkans, as he was Trump’s envoy to the region during his previous term. Grenell is a recipient of the Order of the Serbian Flag, First Class, awarded by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Four years ago, he received a medal from the then-President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi. This year, The New York Times reported that Grenell had suggested a visit to Thaçi in The Hague to Trump.
Larry Kudlow
Former Director of the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, is considered a potential candidate for Secretary of the Treasury.
Other candidates for this position include billionaire donor John Paulson, who raised more than $50 million for Trump’s campaign.
Marco Rubio
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was Trump’s opponent in the 2016 Republican primaries, is being considered for Secretary of State.
Rubio was a candidate for Vice President in 2024 before JD Vance secured the role. Bill Hagerty and Robert O’Brien are also linked to this position.
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Source: Nova.rs
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