Trump 2.0: Key contenders eyeing top roles in his second term

Following his recent election victory, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to begin selecting his Cabinet and key administration officials in the coming weeks, as he readies for his second term in the White House.

Here is the list of some of the leading candidates for prominent roles in defence, intelligence, diplomacy, trade, immigration, and economic policy.

Scott Bessent
Seen as a top contender for treasury secretary, Bessent is a veteran hedge fund investor and a close economic adviser to Trump. Known for his support of laissez-faire policies, Bessent also backs Trump’s approach to tariffs, which he calls an effective negotiating tool and part of an economic philosophy rooted in scepticism towards regulations and international trade.

John Paulson
Another leading candidate for treasury secretary, billionaire hedge fund manager and prominent Trump donor Paulson has expressed interest in the role. A long-time advocate for tax cuts and deregulation, Paulson supports using tariffs to protect US interests, particularly in terms of national security and addressing unfair trade practices.

Larry Kudlow
The former director of the National Economic Council under Trump, Kudlow may also be considered for treasury secretary, though he is publicly less enthusiastic about broad tariffs. Kudlow’s alignment with Trump’s economic policies keeps him in contention for other economics-focused roles.

Robert Lighthizer
A loyalist who served as Trump’s trade representative, Lighthizer could reprise his former role or make a bid for treasury secretary. Known for his strong stance on trade and advocacy for tariffs, Lighthizer was a key figure in Trump’s trade war with China and the renegotiation of NAFTA.

Howard Lutnick
Cantor Fitzgerald CEO and co-chair of Trump’s transition team, Lutnick is another treasury secretary hopeful. A strong supporter of Trump’s economic policies, including tariffs, he’s known for his bold opinions on potential second-term policies.

Richard Grenell
Likely to be considered for national security adviser , Grenell served as acting director of national intelligence and US ambassador to Germany. Although his approach has sparked some controversy, Grenell has been a close adviser to Trump on foreign policy, advocating, among other things, for an autonomous zone in eastern Ukraine.

Robert O’Brien
Trump’s last national security adviser in his first term, O’Brien is a possible candidate for secretary of state. His more hawkish views include support for military aid to Ukraine and a ban on TikTok in the US

Bill Hagerty
Now a US senator and former ambassador to Japan, Hagerty is seen as a likely candidate for secretary of state, with strong support across Republican ranks. His policies largely mirror Trump’s, and he notably opposed a major military aid package for Ukraine earlier this year.

Marco Rubio
Senator Rubio is also in the running for secretary of state. With significant experience in foreign affairs and close alignment with Trump’s policies, he remains a top contender for the role.

Mike Waltz
A former Green Beret and current US congressman, Waltz is a strong candidate for defence secretary, known for his hawkish stance on China and commitment to reducing US reliance on Chinese resources.

Mike Pompeo
The former CIA director and secretary of state, Pompeo could take up the defence secretary role or another security-related position. Though he briefly considered challenging Trump in the primaries, he is now back on good terms with the president-elect and has voiced strong support for Ukraine.

Tom Cotton
The Arkansas senator and former Army officer is a serious contender for defence secretary. Known for his hawkish views and support for military aid to Ukraine, Cotton has the backing of key Trump donors.

Keith Kellogg
Retired lieutenant general Kellogg, who served on Trump’s National Security Council, is a candidate for various national security roles. He has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine that involves a negotiated settlement and excludes NATO membership for Ukraine.

Tom Homan
Former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homan could become the secretary of homeland security, especially as Trump plans to focus on stricter immigration policies.

Chad Wolf
Wolf, who served as acting secretary of homeland security, is another contender for the DHS role. Despite stepping down amid controversy, he has a strong track record of implementing Trump’s hardline immigration policies.

Mark Green
The current chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, Green is seen as a DHS candidate, though he previously withdrew from consideration for Army secretary due to past statements drawing scrutiny.

John Ratcliffe
Ratcliffe, former director of national intelligence and a staunch Trump loyalist, is a potential attorney general pick. Known for his confrontations with career civil servants, Ratcliffe is expected to receive Senate confirmation if nominated.

Mike Lee
Senator Lee from Utah is another candidate for attorney general. A steadfast Trump ally, Lee played a prominent role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and holds strong influence within Trump’s circle.

Susie Wiles
Trump’s co-campaign manager, Wiles is a top choice for White House chief of staff. She is credited with running a disciplined campaign and is expected to bring organisation to the role.

Brooke Rollins
A former director of Trump’s Domestic Policy Council, Rollins is also a contender for chief of staff. Known as a moderate, she supported criminal justice reforms during Trump’s first term.

Kash Patel
Patel, a Trump loyalist who served in defence and intelligence roles, is viewed as a candidate for CIA director, though his controversial statements may pose challenges if Senate confirmation is required.