Who has Donald Trump picked for his Cabinet, federal agencies? What to know about them
(This story was updated to include new information.)
President-elect Donald Trump selected Brooke Rollins on Saturday as his choice for Agriculture secretary as he continues his efforts to bolster his number of choices for Cabinet and federal agency positions.
Trump has announced several recent selections, including Brooke Rollins for Agriculture secretary; Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary; Martin Makary to lead the Food and Drug Administration; Russ Vought as Office of Management and Budget director; Dave Weldon as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director; Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general; and Scott Turner for Housing and Urban Development secretary.
"As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American Farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country," Trump said in a statement about Rollins, who is president of the America First Policy Institute.
If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins would lead a 100,000-person agency with offices in every county in the country, whose remit includes farm and nutrition programs, forestry, home and farm lending, food safety, rural development, agricultural research, trade and more.
Department of Agriculture officials and staff negotiate trade deals, guide dietary recommendations, inspect meat, fight wildfires and support rural broadband, among other activities.
Trump's selection of Bessent, a prominent investor, for Treasury secretary could lift some of the gloom that has pervaded the sagging U.S. government bond market in recent weeks, investors said. Treasury secretary is a key Cabinet position with vast influence over economic, regulatory and international affairs.
The Treasury secretary oversees U.S. economic and tax policy, and Trump's nominee will be tasked with carrying out his plans. As a result, the investment world, from global bond traders to U.S. corporate treasurers, is keenly interested in his pick's economic views and the kind of counsel they will give Trump behind closed doors.
Makary, a surgeon and writer, also was chosen by Trump Friday to lead the Food and Drug Administration, the world's most influential drug regulator with a more than $7 billion budget.
Makary, a physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where he is chief of islet transplant surgery, in interviews promoting his most recent book spoke out against what he called "massive overtreatment" in the United States — "an epidemic of inappropriate care." The book, "Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong and What It Means for Our Health," was published in September.
In a statement announcing his pick on Friday, Trump said Makary was needed "to course-correct and refocus the agency," which regulates human and veterinary drugs, medical devices and vaccines, and approves new treatments and assures they are safe and effective. The agency is also responsible for safety standards for food, tobacco and cosmetics.
Vought was chief of the Office of Management and Budget during Trump's 2017-2021 term. He will play a major role in setting budget priorities and implementing Trump's campaign promise to roll back government regulations.
Since Trump's last term, Vought has been deeply involved in Project 2025, a set of policy proposals that includes a broad expansion in presidential power by boosting political appointees and increasing the president's authority over the Justice Department. The project also proposes eliminating the U.S. Department of Education.
Weldon is a former congressman and a medical doctor. Trump selected him to be director of the CDC, a sweeping agency with a $17.3 billion budget used as a public health model around the world.
Nesheiwat, a family medicine doctor and Fox News contributor. Selected as surgeon general, Nesheiwat treated patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, tended to victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Joplin tornadoes, and has worked for the Samaritan's Purse disaster relief organization providing care in Morocco, Haiti and Poland, Trump said.
Turner, picked to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, was the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term, a role in which he helped the country's distressed communities, Trump said in a statement.
Building his Cabinet
President-elect Donald Trump is slowly growing his Cabinet for his second presidency and bringing in trusted allies to serve as advisers and Cabinet members.
In the last week since winning the election, Trump has already named picks for almost several of the positions, including the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, the Environmental Protection Agency and more.
Here’s who Trump has picked so far. To stay up to date on his cabinet picks, follow USA Today politics news online.
Are Trump’s nominations final?
No. According to the Constitution, the president may nominate people for a position within the cabinet but will need the “advice and consent of the Senate.” The Senate controls the rules and must vote on approving each of the 24 positions. All 24 have not seen a nomination, but several have.
Read more: How does the Senate confirm nominees? Which positions need to be approved? Find out here.
Who has Trump nominated so far?
This list is updated as nominations and appointments come in. The latest nominations and hirings will be listed at the top.
Agriculture Secretary: On Saturday, Trump chose Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute, to be Agriculture secretary. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had a budget of $437.2 billion in 2024. The nominee's agenda would carry implications for American diets and wallets, both urban and rural.
Treasury Secretary: Trump on Friday said he chose Scott Bessent, a prominent investor, as Treasury secretary. Bessent has advocated for tax reform and deregulation, particularly to spur more bank lending and energy production.
Food and Drug Administration Director: On Friday, Trump nominated surgeon and writer Martin Makary to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Makary is a physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where he is chief of islet transplant surgery.
Office of Management and Budget Director: Trump chose Russ Vought, a key architect of Project 2025, to be director of an agency that helps decide the president's policy priorities and how to pay for them. Vought, who was OMB chief during Trump's 2017-2021 term, will play a major role in setting budget priorities and implementing Trump's campaign promise to roll back government regulations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director: Trump tapped Dave Weldon, a former congressman and a medical doctor, as his choice for director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Surgeon General: Trump chose Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general. Nesheiwat, a family medicine doctor and Fox News contributor, treated patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, tended to victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Joplin tornadoes, and has worked for the Samaritan's Purse disaster relief organization providing care in Morocco, Haiti and Poland, Trump said.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary: Trump picked former Texas state legislator and NFL veteran Scott Turner to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner was the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term, a role in which he helped the country's distressed communities, Trump said in a statement.
Attorney General: After former Representative Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination as Attorney General on Thursday, Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. She previously served as a prosecutor for 20 years. Her position will require Senate approval.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO: Wednesday morning, Trump selected former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. Whitaker hails from Iowa where he also served as the U.S. Attorney for the southern district. His position will need Senate confirmation.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director: Trump announced on Tuesday that he has chosen Dr. Mehmet Oz as the country's director for the CMMS. In this position, Oz would work alongside DoH Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Oz is known for his daytime TV show "The Dr. Oz Show," where he assesses guests' health and provides health tips. His position will require Senate approval.
Secretary of Education: Trump announced late Tuesday that he would tap Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education, which he has pledged to abolish. McMahon helps lead Trump's transition team and is a major Republican donor, having amassed her wealth alongside her husband, Vince, as the longtime owners of World Wrestling Entertainment. Linda McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump's first presidency. "We will send education back to the states, and Linda will spearhead that effort," Trump said of McMahon. Her nomination seemingly ends speculation that Oklahoma state Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters could be selected for the role. Her appointment will require Senate approval.
Secretary of Commerce: The president-elect nominated Howard Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, Tuesday afternoon. The Wall Street executive, who has more than 30 years of experience, is expected to lead the tariff and trade agenda. His position will require Senate approval.
Federal Communications Commission: On Monday, Trump nominated Brendan Carr to serve as the FCC's leader. Carr notably wrote a chapter of Project 2025 specifically addressing communication decency. His position will not require Senate approval.
Read more: What is Project 2025? Read what some called the conservative playbook.
Secretary of Transportation: Trump selected Fox Business host and former 'Real World' cast member Sean Duffy for the position. Duffy has been a co-host of "The Bottom Line" and served as a Wisconsin Representative from 2010 to 2019. His position will require Senate approval.
Secretary of Energy: Trump announced Saturday that he plans to nominate oil industry executive Chris Wright to lead the Energy Department. Wright, a Colorado-based CEO of Liberty Energy, has voiced skepticism about climate change. If confirmed by the Senate, Wright would also join a new Council of National Energy Trump plans to form.
Director of Communications: Steven Cheung, who led communications for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, will oversee strategic planning for the president's administration. Cheung also worked with Trump during his first term, and Trump called Cheung a trusted adviser. No Senate confirmation is required.
White House Press Secretary: A former GOP House candidate, Karoline Leavitt, will serve as the president's spokesperson. At 27, Leavitt is expected to become the youngest-ever press secretary. She held a similar role in Trump's presidential campaign. Trump described her as smart, tough and "a highly effective communicator." She will not need Senate approval.
Secretary of the Interior: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum was nominated by the president-elect on Friday. Burgum, who previously ran against Trump, would oversee the national parks, monuments and relations with native tribes if approved. His position will need Senate approval.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Former Georgia Representative Doug Collins has been pointed to oversee the Department of Veterans Affairs. Collins is a chaplain of the United States Air Force Reserve Command and served in the Iraq War in 2008. His position will need approval.
Read more: What does each position do? Learn about each Department here.
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Independent party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., was nominated to serve as secretary of the country's Department of Health and Human Services. The nominee has been a vocal COVID-19 and vaccine skeptic over the last few years. His position will need Senate approval.
Secretary of State: Florida Senator Marco Rubio was nominated Wednesday evening. When making the nomination, Trump described his former Presidential competition as "a Highly Respected Leader, and a very powerful Voice for Freedom." This position will need Senate approval.
Attorney General: Matt Gaetz has been tapped for what JD Vance described as the second-most important spot as the Attorney General. The Florida Representative has already resigned from Congress following the nomination. His position will need Senate approval.
Director of National Intelligence: Former House Democrat turned Republican Tulsi Gabbard was nominated for the intelligence director. She served Hawaii from 2013-2021 before running for President in 2020. She eventually became a Republican this year. Her position will need Senate approval.
Vice President: In July, JD Vance was chosen as Donald Trump's running mate. The two successfully ran together and won the popular and electoral college votes. Because Vance was confirmed and elected, he does not need Senate approval.
Chief of Staff: Trump named Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff. Wiles was his senior campaign adviser during his third election campaign. Wiles becomes the first woman to hold the title. Florida's political consultant largely stays out of the spotlight but has been credited with helping Trump's political comeback. Does not need Senate confirmation.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy: Stephen Miller has joined Trump’s team again after serving several years with the returning president. Miller previously served as the senior adviser to Trump and director of speechwriting during Trump’s first term in office and is mainly credited with shaping Trump’s immigration policy. Does not need confirmation.
Ambassador to the UN: Five-term Republican Representative Elise Stefanik has been nominated as the Ambassador to the UN. Stefanik is the House Republican Conference Chair and a former contender for Trump’s running mate. This position will need Senate confirmation.
‘Border czar’: Trump has appointed Tom Homan to oversee deportation policy and aviation security. Homan previously was a Border Patrol agent for 34 years and served in Trump’s first administration as ICE director. In the past, Homan has drawn controversy for strict immigration enforcement, including the “zero-tolerance” policy, which separated families of undocumented immigrants. No Senate confirmation is needed.
EPA Head: Lee Zeldin was nominated by the president-elect as the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protective Agency (EPA). Zeldin was a congressman representing parts of Long Island, New York and ran and lost the 2022 gubernatorial election. This position needs Senate confirmation.
National security adviser: Trump has named Florida Rep. Mike Waltz his national security adviser. Waltz has held civilian positions at the Pentagon, was on the House Armed Services Committee, and supported Trump's isolationist view of foreign relations. No Senate confirmation is needed.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel: Trump nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as his U.S. ambassador to Israel. The Baptist minister and former Fox News host ran for the Republican presidential nomination twice, both unsuccessfully.
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency: Trump’s former Director of National Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, received a nomination as the CIA director. Ratcliffe was also a House member for Texas prior to Trump’s first term. This position does require Senate confirmation.
Secretary of Defense: Fox News Host and former U.S. Army National Guard member Pete Hegseth has been nominated as Defense secretary. Outside of his affiliation with Fox News, he served in the U.S. Army National Guard and led veteran advocacy groups. The position does require Senate confirmation.
Secretary of Homeland Security: Trump’s nomination of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem puts the conservative governor potentially in a key role on immigration. As governor, Noem sent the South Dakota National Guard to the southern border in 2021. This position does require Senate confirmation.
White House Counsel: William McGinley was tapped by the president-elect to serve as White House Counsel. McGinley is a partner at the Washington-based law firm Holtzman Vogel, who worked as White House cabinet secretary during Trump’s first presidency. No Senate confirmation needed.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy working outside the cabinet
After Elon Musk floated the idea of a commission with the acronym “DOGE” to match the cryptocurrency he often promotes, Trump said in September he would create the “Department of Government Efficiency” for Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to oversee.
“At the suggestion of Elon Musk, who has given me his complete and total endorsement … I will create a government efficiency commission tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government and making recommendations for drastic reforms,” Trump said the time.
The announcement provided no details on the size or budget of the venture beyond Musk and Ramaswamy's leadership but said that the work would be completed by July 4, 2026.
Neither of their positions will need Senate confirmation.
Can Trump make a new department? How will DOGE work?
The commission will not function as part of the presidential Cabinet. Instead, it is an outside advisory commission that, in theory, will present recommendations to eliminate unnecessary spending.
This framework is similar to an advisory council created by President Ronald Reagan in 1982. The group of private sector experts was created to recommend ways to eliminate inefficiency and waste, Reuters reports.
Contributing: Reuters