Payam Javan: President-elect Donald Trump has swiftly begun to assemble his administration following a decisive win in the 2024 election, appointing several loyal allies to key positions. Among these appointments, Trump named Susan Wiles as his White House Chief of Staff, marking her as the first female to hold this role. Trump credited Wiles, a seasoned political strategist, with leading disciplined campaigns that were crucial to his past and current political victories. In her new role, Wiles will oversee policy development, coordinate with federal agencies, and manage daily operations, positioning her as a central figure in Trump’s upcoming term.

In a strategic international appointment, Trump selected Rep. Elise Stefanik as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Known for her strong advocacy of “America First” policies, Stefanik expressed her gratitude for the nomination and highlighted her commitment to restoring U.S. national security and influence, which she claims were diminished during the Biden administration. Stefanik’s appointment, requiring Senate confirmation, continues Trump’s pattern of placing established loyalists in prominent roles within his administration as he seeks to reassert his foreign policy agenda on the global stage.

Trump also tapped former acting ICE Director Tom Homan as his “border czar,” responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations. Known for his hardline views on border security, Homan has emphasized the need for workplace enforcement operations to address illegal immigration and trafficking. His strong stance on these issues aligns with Trump’s focus on stricter immigration controls and deportation policies, aiming to counter what both have described as lax policies under the previous administration.

Additional roles have been filled with loyal figures, such as Lee Zeldin, chosen to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Stephen Miller, tapped as Deputy Chief of Policy. Both are aligned with Trump’s “America First” ethos, with Zeldin expected to balance business interests with environmental regulations, and Miller anticipated to further policies from Trump’s first term. Notably, high-profile figures Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo were excluded from Trump’s Cabinet, despite previous service under his administration. Trump still has several key positions to fill, with Rep. Mike Waltz, Sen. Marco Rubio, and financier Paul Bessent reportedly being considered for national security and economic roles.