(The Center Square) – President-elect Donald Trump has begun announcing his picks for his new cabinet.
While nominees still need Senate approval, the picks give a look inside how Trump plans to govern with what is increasingly looking like all three branches of government under Republican control.
Trump announced former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, a veteran, will serve as the Environmental Protection Agency administrator.
“I have known Lee Zeldin for a long time, and have watched him handle, brilliantly, some extremely difficult and complex situations,” Trump said in a statement. “I am very proud to have him in the Trump Administration, where he will quickly prove to be a great contributor!”
Trump also is expected to tap U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as Secretary of State, according to media reports.
He also released a statement naming former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan as his “border czar,” The Center Square reported.
Trump's new border czar Tom Homan warns sanctuary cities to "get out of the way because we're coming."
"We have a mandate from the American people, they want this fixed." pic.twitter.com/od6xNDuN9t
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) November 12, 2024
“I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders,” Trump said in a statement. “Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”
Trump still has a slew of other picks to make with some specific ones expected, such as billionaire Elon Musk, who may receive a spot to help improve efficiency in the government, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who could have a health role, possibly at the Food and Drug Administration.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 12, 2024
The Wall Street Journal also first reported that U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., will serve as national security advisor.
At the same time, the Senate majority leader race this week as well as leadership positions in the House are up for election, but whether Trump will endorse remains to be seen.
JUST IN: Trump names John Ratcliffe as his pick for CIA director pic.twitter.com/J0hTcGLy5r
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) November 12, 2024
Trump also picked Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to serve as ambassador to the U.N.
“She was the first Member of Congress to endorse me, and has always been a staunch advocate,” Trump said in a statement. “Elise is a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and led the charge against antisemitism on college campuses. She will be an incredible Ambassador to the United Nations, delivering Peace through Strength and America First National Security policies!”
Casey Harper
Casey Harper is a Senior Reporter for the Washington, D.C. Bureau. He previously worked for The Daily Caller, The Hill, and Sinclair Broadcast Group. A graduate of Hillsdale College, Casey's work has also appeared in Fox News, Fox Business, and USA Today.
