Payam Javan: President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled several prominent figures to serve in his upcoming administration. The announcement includes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior, former Congressman Doug Collins as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and several legal experts in Justice Department roles. The selections signal a mix of experience and reform-oriented agendas aimed at addressing various national priorities, including healthcare, resource management, veterans’ welfare, and judicial restructuring.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Lead HHS
Trump named Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a public health advocate and environmental lawyer, as his choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, an outspoken critic of pharmaceutical and food industry practices, will oversee 13 agencies, including the CDC, FDA, and NIH. Trump emphasized Kennedy’s potential to combat public health crises driven by harmful chemicals and misinformation. Known for founding Children’s Health Defense, Kennedy has previously raised concerns about vaccine safety and advocated for reforms within federal health agencies. After suspending his presidential campaign earlier this year, Kennedy shifted his support to Trump.

Doug Burgum Tapped for Interior Secretary Role
Trump selected North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior. The agency, which manages the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage, plays a significant role in energy and land policies. Burgum’s appointment aligns with Trump’s pro-energy stance, including expanding resource extraction on federal lands. The department oversees key agencies like the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management, which together control 20 percent of U.S. land. Burgum’s leadership is expected to focus on balancing conservation with energy development.

Justice Department and Veterans Affairs Picks Announced
Trump named former Congressman Doug Collins to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, emphasizing his commitment to improving care for military personnel and veterans. A veteran himself, Collins pledged to reform VA processes and combat corruption. For the Justice Department, Trump selected attorney Todd Blanche as Deputy Attorney General and Emil Bove as acting Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General. Blanche’s leadership will focus on judicial reforms, while Bove will temporarily fill his role pending Senate confirmation. Additionally, Trump chose Dean John Sauer, a seasoned appellate lawyer, as U.S. Solicitor General to represent the government in Supreme Court cases. These appointments underscore Trump’s agenda to overhaul legal and veterans’ systems in his second term.