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Trump rewards loyal allies with key roles

2024-11-15 08:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The US president-elect selects his strongest supporters and loyalists for top positions. The people selected by highlight his agenda for domestic and foreign policy.

President-elect Donald Trump continues to fill key positions in his second administration. The new appointments include the US ambassador to Israel and a special envoy for the Middle East.

The Republican leader has emphasized his supporters and close allies during the electoral campaign for the second presidential term.

Musk, Ramaswamy to oversee government efficiency

Trump announced Tuesday (11/13) that billionaire Elon Musk will lead a new US "Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)" tasked with cutting federal red tape, along with former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The acronym "DOGE" is a reference to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency Dogecoin. During the election, Musk spent over $100 million promoting himself as a key Trump ally. Musk campaigned for Trump on X, formerly Twitter, as the owner of the social networking platform. "Together, these two great Americans will pave the way for my administration to reduce government bureaucracy, simplify excessive regulations, cut wasteful spending and restructure Federal Agencies," Trump said in a statement. According to the statement, Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to provide "advice and guidance" to the White House.

Former intelligence chief at the head of the CIA

Donald Trump appointed John Ratcliffe to head the CIA. Ratcliffe, a former Republican congressman from Texas, led the Directorate of National Intelligence (DNI) in the final months of Trump's first term. "I look forward to John being the first person to serve in both of the nation's highest intelligence positions," Trump said. He called Ratcliffe a "fearless fighter for the constitutional rights of all Americans."

A staunch conservative is appointed ambassador to Israel

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, one of the most conservative voices in the Republican party, has been named the next US ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a staunch evangelical conservative, is known for his support of Israel. He has also expressed his support for settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.

This comes after President-elect Donald Trump has promised to align US foreign policy closer to Israel's interests. In a statement about the nomination, Trump said Huckabee "will work tirelessly to bring peace to the Middle East." Who are the secretaries of defense and national security?

Trump named Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his defense secretary, praising him as "tough, smart and a true believer in the phrase ``America First''."

"With Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice — our military will be great again and America will never back down," he said in a statement.

Earlier, Hegseth expressed disdain for "woke" policies at the Pentagon and has said he left the military in 2021 after being considered an extremist. Trump also nominated South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. He pointed out that she was the first governor to deploy National Guard troops to help Texas fight illegal border crossings.

Golf partner appointed Middle East envoy

As his pick for a special envoy to the Middle East, Trump nominated his longtime friend and golf partner, Steven Witkoff. Witkoff, a Florida real estate investor, is currently the chairman of Trump's inaugural committee. "Steve will be an unyielding voice for peace and make us all proud," Trump said on social media.

"A strong voice for the nation and a brave fighter against opponents"

Marco Rubio, the senator from Florida, will be the secretary of state in the cabinet of Donald Trump. "He will be a strong voice for our nation, a true friend to our allies and a courageous fighter to our adversaries who will never back down," the incoming Republican president said in announcing his selection for one of the most important posts.

US Ambassador to the UN

Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik will be the US ambassador to the UN. Stefanik is an "incredibly strong, tough and smart fighter" for America First, Trump said, according to a New York Post report.

"Border Czar"

Tom Homan will be the new "border tsar", announced Trump on his social network "Truth". This means Homan will be responsible for border security and refugee repatriation. In addition to monitoring the southern and northern borders, as well as maritime and air security, Homan will be "responsible for the mandatory return of all illegal immigrants to their country of origin". Homan is a "stalwart advocate for border control" and no one is "better at overseeing and controlling our borders," Trump said in explaining his decision.

Trump had relied on Homan since his first term: Homan was then the head of the ICE immigration authority for a year and a half. He was seen as a defender of the controversial decision to separate the children of irregular immigrants from their parents. After that, it sometimes took years to reunite families. Homan — and Trump — later said the move was intended to serve as a deterrent so families wouldn't even leave for the US.

New York Rep. Zeldin will be the head of the US Environmental Protection Agency

Donald Trump will nominate former Republican congressman Lee Zeldi as director of the US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. Zeldin is expected to repeal dozens of environmental regulations. President-elect Trump declared that Zeldin would "unleash the power of the American economy" by undertaking "immediate deregulation."

At the same time, Trump declared that Zeldin "will respect the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet." The 44-year-old Zeldin is a staunch supporter of Trump and after losing the 2020 election he voted in Congress against recognizing the election result. On the X platform he writes that it is an "honor" to belong to Trump's cabinet. He promised to "restore U.S. energy dominance, revitalize the auto industry, bring jobs back to Americans, and make the U.S. a leader in artificial intelligence" while "protecting access to clean air and water."/ DW