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3. The Trump Team Takes Shape: Part 2 – Nominations Not Subject to Senate Confirmation

The team appointed by the new president to work alongside him in the White House is not subject to the confirmation hearings that began on Capitol Hill a week before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Who are the loyal appointees set to join the Trump 2025 team?

In the United States, the Constitution mandates that certain presidential appointments receive Senate approval through a confirmation vote. A new president is tasked with filling over 1,200 positions within the Executive Branch, subject to the Senate’s advice and consent, according to the Center for Presidential Transition. These appointments primarily involve individuals appointed to key positions, including department heads (equivalent to ministers), judges, ambassadors, the directors of the FBI and CIA, and several secretaries.

However, Senate confirmation is not required for members of the presidential team who work closely with the president within the White House, such as advisors and special envoys.

Candidates Not Subject to Senate Confirmation

James David Vance, Vice President

James David Vance, 40-year-old senator from Ohio who completed his first term, is now serving as vice president under Donald Trump. By extension, he is also a prominent contender for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. With his firmly conservative political record, youthful energy, and Midwestern roots, Vance could attract increased support at the polls, as hoped by Republicans. During Trump’s campaign, he positioned himself as a "watchdog," relentlessly criticizing the opposition, a role traditionally held by a running mate.

J.D. Vance, a former Silicon Valley venture capitalist, is a political newcomer. He gained national recognition in 2016 with the release of Hillbilly Elegy, a bestselling memoir about his family’s Appalachian roots. Once a sharp critic of Trump, whom he described as “reprehensible,” Vance earned Trump’s endorsement during his 2022 Senate campaign after fully aligning himself with Trump’s political views. Since then, Vance has emerged as one of Trump’s key allies, chosen as his running mate with the expectation that the young senator would inject fresh energy into the Republican camp.

Elon Musk, Head of the Department of Government Efficiency

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, CEO of Tesla, and owner of the platform X, took on an unprecedented role in Trump’s election campaign. He has now been appointed to head a newly established department under Donald Trump, tasked with streamlining federal bureaucracy: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Renowned for his innovative approach, Musk plans to make government spending more transparent to the public. He has reportedly committed to publishing a list of the "most absurd expenditures" to raise awareness about fiscal responsibility and is working alongside American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to enhance government efficiency.

"Together, these two exceptional Americans will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut unnecessary spending, and restructure federal agencies," Donald Trump stated in a release.

Mike Waltz, National Security Advisor

A former lieutenant colonel in the special forces and a representative from Florida, Mike Waltz is poised to play a central role in national security decisions. With a keen focus on China and Iran, Waltz brings strong military experience. He has completed several combat missions in Afghanistan and opposed the troop withdrawal from the country ordered by President Biden.

At 50, Waltz has served on the House Armed Services, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs Committees. A staunch supporter of Trump’s foreign policy, he would, according to the former president, be a strategic ally in safeguarding American interests with both pragmatism and firmness.

Massaad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs

Donald Trump announced the appointment of Massaad Boulos as senior advisor for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs in a post on his Truth Social platform.

A Lebanese American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Boulos' personal and professional journey has made him a key advisory figure to Trump, particularly on Middle Eastern issues. He is also the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, who has been married to his son Michael since 2022.

After completing his higher education in business administration, Boulos went on to achieve several entrepreneurial successes in the United States. His work in the business sector, particularly in investment and property management, helped him build a solid career before transitioning into politics. Boulos has also invested in several companies and engaged in philanthropy, supporting educational and cultural causes in Lebanon.

A key figure on issues concerning the Christian community in the Middle East and discussions related to Lebanon, Boulos has worked to raise the voices of Christian minorities amid complex political and religious tensions.

Having previously led the outreach efforts for the Trump campaign within Arab American communities, Boulos is expected to play a pivotal role in Trump's Middle East strategy, particularly in the current context. Two ceasefire agreements have been announced: one between Lebanon and Israel on November 27, and another between Hamas and Israel, which took effect on January 19.

Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East

Donald Trump has appointed Steve Witkoff, a Jewish real estate investor and campaign fundraiser, as his special envoy to the Middle East. Although lacking diplomatic experience, Trump views Witkoff as a trusted ally, capable of addressing regional challenges with pragmatism and a strong commitment to American interests. According to Trump, Witkoff will be an "unyielding peace advocate."

Thomas Homan, Head of Immigration

Thomas Homan, former director of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement), is set to take on the role of "Border Czar," as dubbed by Trump, overseeing the deportations of undocumented immigrants and controlling migration flows. He is also expected to strengthen measures aimed at limiting legal pathways for regularization for certain migrants.

With decades of experience in immigration law enforcement, Homan will play a key role in implementing this strict border and immigration control policy.

Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff

Susie Wiles, a seasoned political strategist who led Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, has extensive experience in both federal and state Republican campaigns and administrations, dating back to the Reagan era. She made her mark as the only campaign manager to lead a full campaign for Trump and is set to make history as the first woman to serve as White House Chief of Staff.

Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff

Stephen Miller, known for his hardline stance on immigration, was a key advisor during Trump's first term. He worked alongside the former president throughout the 2024 campaign, urging Trump to prioritize immigration during the final weeks of the election. Miller returns to the White House as Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing policy and serving as a senior advisor on homeland security.