Patterns Emerge in Trump’s Cabinet Picks
A distinct set of patterns has surfaced among the individuals President-elect Donald Trump has proposed for his Cabinet and senior-level positions in his administration.
While it’s common for senior White House and Cabinet officials to hail from prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, other trends in Trump’s selections are less conventional. Notably, several appointees have questioned the 2020 presidential election results, aligning with a requirement for Trump’s endorsement. Additionally, some lack the conventional qualifications of their predecessors.
Loyalty to Trump seems to be a critical factor for selection, as demonstrated by many of his choices over recent years. Here are some connections among the more than 60 potential members, pending confirmation, of the incoming administration.
At least 5 are billionaires
Trump has chosen two billionaires for significant economic roles, sparking discussions about whether his administration will fulfill promises to support the working class.
Scott Bessent, nominated for treasury secretary, is a hedge fund manager who managed investments for George Soros. Howard Lutnick, selected for commerce secretary, is a Wall Street executive. Both have voiced support for Trump’s tariff plans, albeit with a preference for a focused approach.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, both billionaires, will oversee the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency, intended to function outside government and provide advice to federal officials.
At least 8 have been major Trump donors
Trump has also appointed significant campaign donors to pivotal roles, including four Cabinet agency heads: Lutnick, Bessent, Chris Wright for the Energy Department, and Linda McMahon for the Education Department. The financial contributions from these individuals during the 2024 election cycle range from $350,000 to $20 million.
John Phelan, chosen for Navy secretary, and his wife, Amy, contributed over $1 million to Trump’s fundraising efforts.
Steven Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer, has been appointed special envoy to the Middle East. He was with Trump during a second assassination attempt in September.
Musk committed at least $75 million to a new pro-Trump super PAC and pledged on October 19 to award $1 million daily to a voter through Election Day, a move challenged by the Justice Department but allowed by a Philadelphia judge.
Charles Kushner, appointed as ambassador to France, is a real estate executive who donated at least $2 million to Trump.
At least 12 hosted or co-hosted events at Mar-a-Lago
Following Trump’s departure from the White House, Mar-a-Lago emerged as the epicenter of the MAGA movement. Right-wing gatherings and political events at the resort replaced traditional Palm Beach social galas, making it an important destination for Republican candidates.
Numerous appointees regularly frequented Mar-a-Lago, with some hosting costly events. As the resort’s owner, Trump benefits financially from these activities.
Several appointees have organized campaign fundraisers or served on committees for events supporting other candidates. Others have hosted larger gatherings for organizations they support.
At least 13 made appearances at Trump’s criminal trial in New York
Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan served as a platform for allies to express their loyalty. Many of his recent appointees attended the trial in spring to show support. Some, like Todd Blanche, nominated for deputy attorney general, were there professionally as part of his legal team. Susie Wiles, set to be chief of staff, co-chaired his 2024 campaign.
Others, including Vice President-elect JD Vance and Doug Burgum, picked for interior secretary, were spectators who defended Trump and criticized the judge’s family, both being considered potential running mates.
At least 17 are associated with the America First Policy Institute or Project 2025
Trump distanced himself from Project 2025, led by the Heritage Foundation and partly authored by former Trump staffers, but has since selected seven individuals linked to the initiative for his administration.
Project 2025, with its Heritage-vetted personnel database, aims to aid Republican presidents in staffing. The extent of its influence in the new administration remains to be seen.
The America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank like the Heritage Foundation, is also represented, with at least 11 appointees connected to it. The think tank has prepared staffing and policy plans, including nearly 300 executive orders ready for Trump’s signature.
At least 11 are or have been Fox hosts or contributors
Some of Trump’s appointees have strong links to Fox, either as hosts or contributors. Pete Hegseth, nominated for defense secretary, was a “Fox & Friends” host, while Rachel Campos-Duffy, married to Sean Duffy, Trump’s transportation secretary pick, co-hosted a Fox Business show.
Mike Huckabee, nominated as ambassador to Israel, hosted a Fox show for seven years. Ramaswamy was chosen for a Fox Nation series.
Other appointees frequently appear on Fox News, with several contributing to its website. Wright gained Trump’s attention partly through his Fox News appearances.
At least 9 are or have been registered lobbyists
The transition between lobbying and government service is a longstanding Washington tradition, despite Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp.” Some appointees have deep lobbying ties.
Wiles was a registered lobbyist until early this year. Pam Bondi, nominated for attorney general, joined a lobbying firm after her tenure as Florida attorney general. Duffy lobbied for airlines in 2020.
Some appointees have engaged in lobbying without registration, a common practice in the capital. Russell Vought, nominated to lead the Office of Management and Budget, acknowledged “grassroots lobbying” during his 2017 Senate confirmation.
At least 28 served in or advised the previous Trump administration
Over two dozen of Trump’s current Cabinet and senior-level nominees served in his first term.
Some have roles related to prior positions. Thomas Homan, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first term, is now border czar, a role not requiring Senate confirmation.
Others have new roles unrelated to their previous work. McMahon, former Small Business Administration head, is now nominated for education secretary.
Several appointees were not full-time staff during Trump’s previous term but served on advisory boards, including Witkoff, Huckabee, and Musk.
This list reflects 61 Cabinet and senior-level position picks announced by Trump as of December 2.
Connections to Project 2025 were identified by cross-referencing Trump’s proposed staff with contributors to the Project 2025 playbook and instructor lists. America First Policy Institute ties were determined by listed roles or fellowship positions with the group.
