With Friday night’s nominee dump, there are five Cabinet-level positions now lacking designated nominees: (1) Agriculture secretary (Trump on Saturday officially picked Brooke Rollins to lead USDA), (2) U.S. trade representative, (3) Small Business Administration chief, (4) chair of the Council of Economic Advisers and (5) director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The most recent Trump selections and background information:
— Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary
Bessent, 62, is loyal to Trump. He donated nearly $2 million in this latest campaign and served as a close adviser, especially for Trump’s appearance at the Economic Club of New York in September. But he also clearly understands how markets — including the U.S. debt market — work. He would bring credibility to a Cabinet.
Bessent correctly bet against the British pound and Japanese yen, among others. He’s one of the world’s leading currency experts, which will be helpful at Treasury, where he will be responsible for maintaining a strong dollar. More recently, he launched his own hedge fund, Key Square Capital.
“I would recommend that tariffs be layered in gradually,” he said on CNBC just after the election, adding that the full Trump plan will keep inflation “at or below the 2% target” because it includes reducing regulations and lowering energy costs. “The last thing [Trump] wants is to cause inflation.”
Bessent also wants to cut taxes and cancel Joe Biden’s green-energy subsidies. Unlike the president-elect, he has warned about accelerating government debt.
Bessent has also floated an idea to curb the power of Fed leader Jerome Powell by having Trump quickly nominate a new chair early on. This “shadow Fed chair” could start putting out their own statements before Powell’s term ends in 2026.
He’ll oversee the U.S. dollar, the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. debt issuance and financial-crisis management. Almost immediately, he will be faced with helping push for Congress to lift the debt ceiling — which is set to expire in January before Trump takes office (but the key timeline in early summer 2025). He has stated that this election cycle represents a crucial opportunity for the U.S. to manage its debt without shifting towards what he describes as a “European-style socialist democracy.”
He will then be a key player in the debate over extending Trump’s tax cuts and the key question of how much more debt can the nation handle beyond the nearly $36 trillion that’s already on the books. This year, Treasury had to raise more than $2 trillion in the bond markets to pay the government’s bills. That’s likely to continue next year.
Bessent has advised Trump to pursue a “3-3-3” policy: cutting the budget deficit to 3% of gross domestic product by 2028, spurring GDP growth of 3% through deregulation, and producing an additional 3 million barrels of oil or its equivalent a day.
Regarding agriculture, given Bessent’s focus on reducing government spending, it is plausible that he might support cuts or reforms to existing farm subsidy programs. His background suggests a preference for policies that prioritize fiscal responsibility, which could lead to a re-evaluation of how subsidies are allocated. has called for significant deregulation across various sectors. If applied to agriculture, this could mean easing restrictions that farmers face, potentially making it easier for them to operate and innovate. However, it might also raise concerns about environmental protections and food safety regulations.
Bessent is a currently a hedge fund manager and founder of Key Square Capital Management. He is known for advocating deficit reduction and has previously served as Chief Investment Officer at Soros Fund Management. Trump expressed confidence in Bessent’s ability to lead the U.S. towards a “new Golden Age” and emphasized his role in managing fiscal strategies amid economic challenges
If confirmed, as is likely, Bessent would be the first openly gay Treasury secretary. A noted preservationist, he and husband John Freeman are selling their restored Charleston, South Carolina, home for a listed $22 million.
Bessent’s nomination rounds out the Big Four of the Trump administration — attorney general, defense secretary, treasury, and secretary of state.
— Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Vought previously held this position during Trump’s first term. He is recognized for his conservative fiscal policies and was involved in Project 2025, a conservative agenda for Trump’s second term. He has advocated for unilaterally rejecting spending that Congress authorized, firing federal workers and taking control of independent regulators. Vought’s concept of a “four-for-one” approach to regulations is a central tenet of his regulatory strategy, which he implemented during his previous tenure as Director of OMB. This strategy aimed to reduce the overall regulatory burden by ensuring that for every new regulation introduced, four existing regulations would be eliminated. Link to what Vought wants to do at OMB.
Vought has expressed a critical stance towards U.S. farm subsidies and programs, aligning with his broader philosophy of reducing government intervention and promoting fiscal austerity. He views these programs as part of a larger “administrative state” that he believes should be curtailed to promote more market-driven solutions.
Vought’s overall approach favors deregulation and reducing federal oversight, which would impact how agricultural programs operate. He has previously articulated a vision where independence from federal control is minimized, suggesting that agricultural policies should also reflect this philosophy.
During his first tenure, Vought was instrumental in crafting budgets that prioritized defense spending while proposing substantial cuts to non-defense agencies. His approach demonstrated a commitment to reducing federal expenditures, which aligns with Trump’s emphasis on fiscal conservatism and cost reduction in government operations.
Architect of Schedule F: Vought played a crucial role in developing the controversial Schedule F initiative, which aimed to remove civil service protections for many federal employees. This initiative was designed to allow for more politically motivated hiring and firing practices within the federal workforce. His advocacy for this policy reflects his broader goal of restructuring federal agencies to enhance presidential authority and accountability.
In recent interviews, Vought has articulated a vision for managing the federal workforce that includes large-scale layoffs and restructuring. He believes that such measures are necessary to combat what he describes as a “woke and weaponized bureaucracy.” This perspective aligns with Trump’s broader narrative of reforming government operations to reflect conservative values.
— Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Labor Secretary
She is a Republican from Oregon who narrowly lost her re-election bid earlier this month. She has received support from union members in her district, which positions her uniquely within the Republican party as a pro-labor voice.
She has been recognized for her bipartisan approach to labor issues. She is one of the few Republican lawmakers who publicly supported the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation aimed at strengthening workers’ rights to unionize and penalizing companies that obstruct union activities. Her support for such legislation marks her as a distinctive figure among her party peers, who often lean towards more business-friendly policies.
Trump’s statement regarding her nomination highlighted his intention to unite both business and labor communities under a common agenda aimed at enhancing economic prosperity for all Americans.
Her nomination is seen as a potential shift in Trump’s approach to labor relations. Traditionally, Trump has favored pro-business leaders for Cabinet positions; however, by selecting a candidate with strong ties to labor unions, he may be signaling a desire to broaden his appeal among working-class voters. This could lead to a more collaborative environment between labor organizations and the federal government than previously observed under past administrations.
Despite this pro-labor stance, there remains skepticism about how effectively she will navigate the complexities of labor relations within a Trump administration that has historically leaned towards deregulation and business interests.
Of note: She has been actively engaged in discussions and legislative efforts concerning farm labor, particularly focusing on the H-2A visa program, which allows U.S. employers to bring foreign workers to the country for temporary agricultural work. Chavez-DeRemer has expressed concerns about labor shortages affecting agricultural operations in Oregon. She co-sponsored the Farm Workforce Support Act, which aims to analyze deficiencies in the H-2A program and propose reforms. In her statements, she highlighted that many farmers have reported difficulties in securing adequate labor, which hampers their ability to operate efficiently. She stated, “We must ensure the H-2A program is effective for both the workers and employers who produce the food needed to feed the world.”
— Scott Turner, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Turner is a former football player who previously worked in Trump’s first administration.
— Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as Surgeon General
She is a general practitioner and Fox News contributor.
— Dr. Dave Weldon to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Weldon is a former Republican congressman from Florida. Besides being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Army Veteran, Weldon has been a respected conservative leader on fiscal and social issues, and served on the Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee.
— Dr. Marty Makary as head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
This is a position that could significantly influence U.S. food and agriculture policy. His appointment reflects a broader strategy to reshape health policy and regulatory frameworks within the agency. Makary is a surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in gastrointestinal surgery and public health policy. He is known for his advocacy of transparency in healthcare and has authored several influential books, including The Price We Pay, which critiques the healthcare system’s inefficiencies and advocates for reforms to reduce costs and improve patient care.
Throughout his career, Makary has been a vocal critic of the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing issues such as overprescription of medications and the influence of pharmaceutical companies on healthcare practices.
He has also raised concerns about the use of pesticides in agriculture, linking them to rising cancer rates.
His work with the World Health Organization to develop surgical checklists showcases his commitment to improving medical safety and efficacy.
Makary gained national prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he expressed skepticism about certain public health measures, including vaccine mandates and masking policies. While he supports vaccinations, he has called for more nuanced approaches regarding their administration, particularly for children. His views have often put him at odds with mainstream public health narratives, earning him a platform on conservative media outlets like Fox News.
Potential impact on U.S. food and agriculture policy. If confirmed as FDA commissioner, Dr. Makary’s leadership could lead to significant changes in how food safety and agricultural practices are regulated in the U.S.:
• Food safety regulations: Given his critical stance on pesticides and their health implications, Makary may push for stricter regulations on chemical use in agriculture. This could align with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s focus on eliminating harmful chemicals from food supplies.
• Transparency and accountability: Makary’s commitment to transparency in healthcare could extend to food safety regulations, potentially advocating for clearer labeling practices regarding food ingredients and sourcing. This aligns with a growing consumer demand for transparency in food production.
• Deregulation vs. reform: While Trump’s administration may lean towards deregulation, Makary’s background suggests he might advocate for reforms that enhance safety without necessarily increasing bureaucratic hurdles. This could create tension between agricultural interests that favor deregulation and public health advocates seeking stronger protections.
• Interagency collaboration: As FDA oversees a significant portion of the U.S. food supply, collaboration with other agencies focused on public health and environmental protection will be crucial. Makary’s previous work suggests he may prioritize interagency efforts to address chronic diseases linked to diet and environmental factors.
Upshot: Dr. Makary’s appointment could herald a shift towards more stringent food safety regulations while also promoting greater transparency in food labeling and production practices. His previous criticisms of the food system indicate that he may advocate for policies aimed at reducing reliance on harmful chemicals in agriculture, potentially reshaping U.S. food policy significantly if confirmed by the Senate.
— Trump also named Alex Wong as principal deputy national security adviser and Sebastian Gorka as senior director for counterterrorism.