An eclectic group of innovators and conservatives have risen to prominence in the political landscape, led by President Donald Trump’s unique approach to leadership. They congregated in Washington DC, under the public spotlight, on Trump’s inaugural day. Riding on the renewed affirmation from American citizens, President Trump has assembled his key team, comprising an unusual mix of politicians, businessmen and tech enthusiasts.
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jnr, infamous for his rather controversial views on vaccination, would not be the typical choice for many. Known for his eccentric claim that a worm had once devoured part of his brain, his appointment manifestly reflects Trump’s distinctive political style – the convention of politics being constantly rewritten.
Take another peculiar cabinet choice: a Senator who had confessed to putting down her own dog – now leading the Department of Homeland Security. The President’s selections have been audacious and bold, striving to combat the ‘woke culture’, tighten control over the southern border and overturn Net Zero regulations.
The President’s strategic team picks are designed surely to shake up the Washington establishment and vested interests. However, before beginning their respective tenures, most of these appointments face the hurdle of earning Senate approval.
But are these individuals – these ‘Top Trumps’ – truly equipped to foster a richer, safer, and more equitable United States? That judgment is left largely to public scrutiny and time.
JD Vance, the prodigy who achieved public recognition at the tender age of 40, is considered by many as the political successor to the President. His diverse background spans time as a Senator, attorney, venture capitalist, and Marine Corps veteran. Vance first received widespread attention following the publication of his profoundly resonant 2016 memoir, ‘Hillbilly Elegy’, where he insightfully detailed the societal collapse among America’s white working-class demographic.
Meanwhile, Linda McMahon has been a steadfast supporter of Trump for an extended period. With her appointment to direct the Department of Small Business in 2017 during Trump’s first term, McMahon was lauded by a former Democrat adversary as a ‘person of serious accomplishment and ability’.
Adding to the mix, Pete Hegseth, a veteran of the Iraqi and Afghanistan conflicts and past presenter on Fox News, was surprisingly announced as the Defense Secretary. Prior to television, Hegseth’s military career had even stretched to a stint as a prison guard at Guantanamo Bay.
Governor of South Dakota Kristi Noem, a rancher by trade, has gained recognition for her tough stance on immigration. This led to her being entrusted with the portfolio of Homeland Security. Noem’s comments last year indicated her belief that the US was in a state of ‘invasion’.
Chris Wright, the leader of Denver’s energy company Liberty Energy, has critiqued Net Zero as a ‘menacing goal’. As a representative of Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ doctrine, he will spearhead the energy-centered policies.
Marco Rubio, seen as one of the less disputable choices by President Trump, has been appointed to one of the highest-ranked diplomatic positions. The Florida Republican senator has voiced his support for Trump’s ‘America First’ policy.
Robert F Kennedy Jr, related to the tragically assassinated President John F Kennedy, has been notable for supporting false assertions that childhood vaccinations cause autism. Despite these controversial beliefs, he has been assigned with health-related responsibilities.
Tech mogul Elon Musk, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, a previous presidential candidate, was appointed to oversee a new department nicknamed DOGE. As per President Trump, DOGE’s mission would involve dismantling excessive government bureaucracy. Musk’s reply to this news was cryptically humorous, suggesting the need for better ‘dirty tricks’, since the ‘everyone is Hitler attack is sooo tired’.
Tulsi Gabbard, an Army reserve officer who served in Iraq and transitioned to the Republican Party last October, has been appointed to control National Intelligence. This role envisions her supervising the likes of CIA, FBI, and National Security Agency. In the meantime, tech magnate Jared Isaacman, with his first privately conducted spacewalk under his belt, has vocally supported America’s leadership in the ‘most incredible adventure in human history’.