Donald Trump has been rapidly building his top team as he prepares to return to the White House, rewarding staunch allies and campaign figures with key positions. Political strategist Susie Wiles was named chief of staff, while former acting ICE director Tom Homan was appointed “border tsar”. X boss Elon Musk will join the Department of Government Efficiency, and former presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr. is set to become health secretary.
Dr Georgios Samaras of King’s College London noted that Trump’s emphasis on loyalty suggests figures like Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Kennedy, and Nikki Haley may be rewarded. However, he warned of a revolving door due to Trump’s “egomaniac” tendencies, recalling the ousting of Bannon, Flynn and Scaramucci. Enhanced Supreme Court immunity gives Trump unchecked power, likely causing friction with appointees.
Policy advisory firm Signum Global predicted swift executive action on border enforcement, fossil fuel expansion, and tariffs on China, Europe, and Mexico. Partner Rob Casey said the Trump 1.0 administration was unprepared for a “red wave”, but this time they will be ready to govern on day one.
Susie Wiles, a long-time ally who led Trump’s 2024 campaign, is known for reining in his outbursts—she once stared him down when he strayed from talking points. The 67-year-old remains an enigma, rarely giving interviews. Vice President-elect JD Vance has been Trump’s attack dog and is expected to focus on border policy and substance abuse, though scholar Joel Goldstein doubts he will have substantial influence.
