A week after Donald Trump secured a second term in the White House, the outlines of his upcoming presidency are becoming clearer.
The president-elect has announced nearly a dozen key appointments, marking the first steps in filling out his White House staff and key government positions. Trump’s public remarks and social media comments have also provided insight into his priorities, particularly focusing on immigration and foreign policy.
After a tumultuous start to his first term, Trump appears to be laying a more strategic foundation for his second administration, with a clearer vision and a team of loyalists ready to execute it.
Here’s what we know so far.
A Hard-Line Immigration Team
Trump’s recent appointments signal a strong commitment to his campaign promise of mass deportations and tighter immigration controls. Stephen Miller, a longtime adviser and speechwriter, has been named White House deputy chief of staff for policy. Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration policies, will likely be instrumental in shaping any future mass deportation efforts and further restricting both undocumented and legal immigration.
Thomas Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), returns as Trump’s “immigration tsar.” Homan, a staunch advocate for aggressive deportation policies, previously supported family separations at the US-Mexico border. Now, he has a broader mandate, saying he plans to lead “the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen.”
Critics have warned that mass deportations could cost hundreds of billions, but Trump has dismissed these concerns. “There is no price tag,” he said in an interview, arguing that deporting criminals and drug lords outweighs any financial cost.
China Hawks Take the Lead
Trump’s foreign policy team is also taking shape, with a clear emphasis on China. Many conservatives see China as the greatest threat to US global dominance, and Trump is filling his team with vocal critics of Beijing.
Florida Congressman Mike Waltz, a retired Army colonel, has been appointed national security adviser, a key foreign policy position. Waltz has described the US as being in a “cold war” with China and was an early advocate for boycotting the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Trump’s pick for UN ambassador, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, has also been outspoken about China, accusing it of “malicious election interference.”
Although Trump has not yet named his secretary of state, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, another China hawk, is widely considered the frontrunner. Rubio’s stance on China has been hardline, having pushed for sanctions on Beijing for its crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
With tensions over trade and the COVID-19 pandemic already souring US-China relations during Trump’s first term, it’s clear that this issue will remain a focal point in his second term.
Musk and RFK Form a Shadow Cabinet
Beyond the official appointments, Trump’s transition team includes influential outsiders who are playing a significant role behind the scenes. Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, has been a frequent presence at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago headquarters, advising on cabinet selections. Musk has also joined Trump in discussions with foreign leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Musk’s political action committee has spent around $200 million to support Trump’s campaign, and he has promised to continue backing the president-elect’s agenda, including funding efforts to help Republicans in upcoming congressional elections.
Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the vaccine skeptic and former Democrat who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the independent race, may soon take on a role in Trump’s health policy efforts. Trump has said he plans to give Kennedy a prominent position in his administration, with a focus on making America “healthy” again.
Emphasizing Presidential Power Over Congress
With Republicans in control of the Senate and possibly the House, Trump’s early actions indicate a preference for wielding executive power rather than working closely with Congress. Trump has urged Senate Republicans to clear the path for more presidential “recess appointments,” enabling him to fill key roles without Senate approval during congressional recesses. This would enhance the executive branch’s power at the expense of the Senate’s constitutional role to “advise and consent” on appointments.
Trump’s focus on executive action suggests he may prioritize using his presidential powers to enact change, particularly in areas like immigration enforcement, rather than engaging in the lengthy and often compromised process of passing legislation through Congress.
Rewarding Loyalists
Trump’s appointments also reflect his emphasis on loyalty, particularly after years of criticism from within the Republican Party. As he fills out his administration, Trump is rewarding long-time supporters with key roles.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been tapped to serve as Homeland Security secretary, while conservative media personality Pete Hegseth has been named as defense secretary. Both have been steadfast allies of Trump throughout his political career.
Other former critics, such as Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Elise Stefanik, have now become loyal Trump allies after years of shifting their positions. Rubio, who once ran against Trump in 2016, has emerged as a key supporter, though his own presidential ambitions could still complicate his relationship with Trump.
While loyalty seems to be a major factor in Trump’s early appointments, the pressures of governing may test whether these relationships can endure. As Trump’s second term progresses, the dynamics within his administration and the challenges of governing may reveal whether this approach will differ from his first term.
