With the likelihood of Donald Trump securing the 2024 GOP nomination, discussions are underway regarding the potential makeup of his Cabinet should he win the general election.
Speculation about Trump’s cabinet choices has been ongoing, with several names being considered for significant roles in a second Trump administration. From long-time allies to more recent figures associated with the MAGA movement, various individuals are being considered for key positions.
During his first term, Trump emphasized the importance of selecting individuals based on “central casting,” prioritizing appearance, behavior, and nature over expertise. However, this approach faced criticism, leading to a potential shift in focus for Trump’s next cabinet.
While it’s still early, Trump’s loyalty test is expected to play a crucial role in determining his cabinet members. Former Vice President Mike Pence and Mark Meadows, Trump’s former chief of staff, are unlikely to return due to strained relationships and reported testimonies against Trump.
Here are some potential candidates for Trump’s new Cabinet:
Stephen Miller: A former White House senior adviser, Miller has been a close ally, advising Trump on immigration policies. He may be considered for roles like Chief of Staff or Attorney General.
Elise Stefanik: The New York congresswoman, known for her loyalty, could be Trump’s pick for running mate or Attorney General.
Tim Scott: The South Carolina Senator may be considered for various Cabinet positions, such as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Health and Human Services, or Secretary of State.
Vivek Ramaswamy: The entrepreneur, who dropped out of the 2024 GOP primary, might be considered for Secretary of Commerce or Secretary of Labor.
J.D. Vance: The Ohio Senator, endorsed by Trump, could be in the running for Secretary of Agriculture.
While it’s still early to predict the exact composition of Trump’s Cabinet, loyalty is expected to play a significant role in the selection process. The final decisions will likely be made after the November election.
J.D. Vance shakes hands with former President Donald Trump during a rally hosted by the former president at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on April 23, 2022, in Delaware, Ohio. DREW ANGERER/GETTY IMAGES
Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, is considered one of the top contenders for either Trump’s running mate in 2024 or a position in his next Cabinet, according to political analysts.
Carl Cavalli predicts that Noem could be offered the role of Secretary of the Interior due to her standing as a Great Plains governor and her steadfast support for Trump.
Other potential names for Trump’s Cabinet include former White House strategist Steve Bannon and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trump’s former White House press secretary.
While former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson has been mentioned as a surprise candidate, he has distanced himself from political involvement, including speculation about being Trump’s running mate.
Despite the emphasis on loyalty in Trump’s selections, Samuel Ronan, a Republican presidential candidate, suggests that those who challenged Trump in the GOP primary, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, could still be considered for Cabinet positions. Ronan believes that figures from the business world may be asked to reprise their roles or take on similar responsibilities.
Jay Oliver doesn’t rule out the possibility of Governor Ron DeSantis joining Trump’s Cabinet, especially since the Florida Republican has endorsed Trump after withdrawing from the GOP primary. Oliver also suggests that Nikki Haley, Trump’s remaining serious challenger in the GOP primary, has a “long shot” chance of being offered the position of vice president by Trump.