Donald J. Trump was elected just weeks ago, and all eyes are now on his cabinet appointments—our first real glimpse into how his administration will be structured. Trump’s first-term cabinet faced heavy criticism, so these new picks are under particular scrutiny. At the time of writing, we will be covering the larger positions with a 2nd article covering much of the smaller positions.

Susie Wiles is a seasoned political strategist with decades of experience, dating back to the Reagan campaign in the 1980s. Her association with Trump began in 2016, when she successfully led his Florida campaign, flipping a state that had leaned toward Clinton. In 2018, she helped Ron DeSantis secure a gubernatorial victory before a rift emerged. DeSantis reportedly lobbied against Wiles working on Trump’s 2020 campaign, sidelining her during that cycle.

However, Wiles reunited with Trump in early 2021, becoming a critical figure in his political operation. By 2022, she was the de facto Chief of Staff for Save America PAC, running a tight ship and helping orchestrate Trump’s successful campaign. Wiles, who describes herself as a moderate Republican, has proven her ability to lead and execute effectively, making her an ideal choice for White House Chief of Staff.

Grade: A

The Secretary of State primarily oversees U.S. foreign affairs, so our analysis will focus on Rubio’s foreign policy positions. For context, Marco Rubio is the senior senator from Florida, elected during the Tea Party wave, and a 2016 presidential candidate. However, the Rubio of 2024 has evolved significantly, embracing many of the core principles of MAGA and America First.

Rubio advocates for holding Russia accountable for its aggressive actions but has recently acknowledged that a negotiated settlement is necessary in the region. He has expressed skepticism about continued Ukraine aid, voting against recent packages and noting that current funding is prolonging a stalemate.

While Rubio remains a strong supporter of NATO, he takes a hardline stance on China, viewing it as America’s primary long-term rival. On Middle East policy, Rubio opposes ceasefires in Israel and adopts a firm position against Iran’s actions in the region.

Grade: B

Pam Bondi steps in as the pick for Attorney General following Matt Gaetz's withdrawal (who would have earned an A++). Bondi, the 37th Attorney General of Florida, marks the third Floridian in Trump's cabinet picks. During her tenure as Florida's top legal officer, she led the multi-state lawsuit to overturn Obamacare in 2012, demonstrating her readiness to take on major legal battles.

A staunch Trump loyalist since 2016, Bondi has been known for her assertive style. She even led “Lock Her Up” chants targeting Hillary Clinton during the 2016 RNC, showcasing her alignment with the MAGA movement.

As Attorney General, Bondi defended Florida’s 2008 amendment banning same-sex marriage and opposed medical marijuana initiatives. After leaving office in 2019, she remained closely tied to Trump, playing a key role in defending him during his first impeachment trial. Bondi also supported Trump’s efforts in 2020, including claims of election fraud.

Between 2020 and 2024, Bondi took charge of the legal branch of the America First Policy Institute, spearheading lawsuits aimed at reforming voting laws in key swing states. Her long history of legal advocacy and loyalty to Trump makes her a strong pick for the role.

Grade: A-

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure from the Kennedy family and son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, brings a unique perspective to the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Initially entering the 2024 presidential race as a Democrat, RFK Jr. later shifted to an independent candidacy. While his campaign gained significant early momentum, his polling numbers eventually waned, leading to his withdrawal and endorsement of Donald Trump. In exchange, he secured several concessions, including this cabinet position.

The HHS Secretary oversees the nation's health policies and 11 federal agencies, including the FDA and NIH, making this a pivotal role for RFK Jr.’s policy priorities. A staunch advocate for healthier lifestyles, RFK Jr. has consistently criticized ultra-processed foods and lobbied for alternatives that promote public health. He supports eliminating petroleum-based dyes in favor of natural alternatives and has expressed strong skepticism about seed oils, often highlighting their potential health risks.

RFK Jr. is also a well-known vaccine skeptic and a proponent of controversial views on health, which may raise questions about his approach to managing federal health agencies. Nevertheless, his potential crackdown on big pharma and push for stricter food industry regulations could reshape health policy in the U.S. It remains to be seen how much of his agenda he will be able to implement effectively in this role.

Grade: B

Russell Vought, a self-described "Christian Nationalist," returns to his former role as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from Trump's first term. The OMB plays a critical role in the executive branch, crafting the president's proposed budget for Congress while also acting as a watchdog to ensure federal agencies comply with the enacted budget.

Vought has a strong record as an advocate for America First policies. As the founder of the Center for Renewing America, he focused on combating critical race theory and advancing conservative principles. He was also involved in Project 2025 and previously served as a policy director for the Republican National Committee.

During his tenure in the first Trump administration, Vought excelled in his role at the OMB, demonstrating a firm grasp of budgetary priorities and a commitment to implementing policies aligned with the administration's vision. His return to this position is a strong move, reinforcing Trump’s focus on fiscal oversight and ideological alignment within the federal government.

Grade: A+

Elise Stefanik, a Congresswoman from New York's 21st District, has a mixed track record, currently holding a D- on our scorecard. Initially elected as a moderate Republican, Stefanik has shifted significantly toward aligning with Trump over the years. She defended him during both impeachment proceedings, supported his 2020 electoral claims, and attributed blame for January 6th to Nancy Pelosi. While her legislative voting record is less than stellar, it carries less weight in her new role as U.N. Ambassador.

Stefanik is strongly pro-Israel, and her appointment suggests a continuation of the administration's unwavering support for Israel at the U.N. While her past positions may not have always aligned with America First ideals, her loyalty to Trump and ability to follow his directives make her a solid choice for this role. She is unlikely to make bold, independent moves but will reliably advance Trump’s agenda on the international stage.

Grade: C+

Tom Homan, a former police officer and immigration official, served as the acting director of ICE during part of Trump’s first term. While the title of "Border Czar" is unofficial, it likely refers to a role advising the Department of Homeland Security and the president on immigration matters. With this in mind, we evaluate Homan’s suitability for this critical position.

Homan has been a long-time advocate for the strict enforcement of immigration laws, including the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. He has been an outspoken opponent of sanctuary cities and has proposed bold measures to address them, including using federal laws to prosecute city officials who provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants. Notably, he supports family deportation as a unified process, rejecting claims that family separations are a necessary deterrent.

Homan's steadfast commitment to securing the border and his no-nonsense approach make him an excellent choice for this advisory role. He has the experience, focus, and determination to advance Trump’s America First immigration policies effectively.

Grade: S

Pete Hegseth, best known for his role as a weekend co-host on Fox & Friends for nearly seven years, is a former Army National Guard officer and the former executive director of Vets for Freedom. Hegseth’s military service includes deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, giving him firsthand knowledge of the current state of the U.S. military. Throughout Trump’s first term, he occasionally served as an advisor, leveraging his strong pro-conservative and veteran advocacy credentials.

Hegseth is highly critical of NATO and has been vocal about reforming U.S. alliances. While he condemns Vladimir Putin as a war criminal, he has also expressed skepticism about the scale of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. His foreign policy views align closely with America First principles: he is strongly pro-Israel, hawkish on Iran, and sees China as a critical long-term rival to the United States.

Domestically, Hegseth supports significant reforms within the military. He advocates for the removal of “woke” policies, including DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, and is opposed to transgender troops and women in combat roles. His vision for the military emphasizes traditional values and readiness over social experimentation.

Grade: B

Doug Collins, a former Georgia Congressman, is a steadfast Trump ally who left the House to pursue an unsuccessful Senate bid. Since then, he has continued his support for Trump, serving as legal counsel and maintaining his position as a trusted advisor.

Collins brings military experience to the role, having served as a Navy chaplain and later joining the U.S. Air Force after 9/11. He was deployed during the Iraq War in 2008, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by service members and veterans.

While his background is solid and aligns with the needs of the position, there’s little to indicate Collins will bring transformative change to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nonetheless, his loyalty to Trump and his understanding of veteran issues make him a dependable choice for the role.

Grade: B

Congressman Michael Waltz has been selected as National Security Advisor, a role that involves advising the President on all national security-related matters. Waltz, currently ranked C on our scorecard, has a somewhat mixed record on foreign policy.

Waltz has been less enthusiastic about supporting Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia. While he believes Russia should face consequences for its actions, he has distanced himself from full-scale support for Ukraine. He also opposed the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, a stance that reflects his generally cautious approach to military interventions. Notably, Waltz co-founded and managed a defense contracting company that secured millions of dollars in government contracts related to Afghanistan, which could impact perceptions of his impartiality.

On China, Waltz is notably hawkish. He has pushed legislation to counter Chinese espionage efforts on American university campuses and has called for the Department of Defense to monitor foreign talent recruitment programs that could pose a security threat to the U.S.

Grade: C

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is a seasoned businessman with a background in software development. He briefly ran for president in 2024 but withdrew early in the race and became an advisor to the Trump campaign, particularly on energy policy.

As Interior Secretary, Burgum will oversee the management and conservation of federal lands and natural resources, including key agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service. His primary focus will likely center around the use and preservation of these resources.

Burgum is a strong advocate for fossil fuel energy and has emphasized the importance of energy independence. He has expressed support for increasing energy production on federal lands, specifically advocating for the BLM to expand roles related to specialized resource management, such as rare earth metal mining and oil/gas drilling. He is also a proponent of carbon-capture technology.

Overall, Burgum’s focus on energy production and resource management makes him a solid choice for this role.

Grade: B+

The Secretary of Energy oversees the production and regulation of energy, working to advance technologies that promote more efficient and cleaner energy sources. Initially, many speculated that Doug Burgum would take on this role, but President-elect Trump ultimately chose Chris Wright for the position.

Chris Wright is the CEO of Liberty Energy and a board member of several energy-related companies. A significant donor to Trump, Wright is a staunch advocate for fossil fuels. He believes green energy alternatives are more of a supplement than a full replacement for fossil fuels and has criticized the climate movement, suggesting it is unsustainable. Wright is a strong proponent of energy independence and will likely push for policies centered around increased domestic fossil fuel production, including advocating for a “Drill, Baby, Drill” approach.

Grade: A-

Former Congressman Sean Duffy has been tapped by Trump for the role of Secretary of Transportation. While Duffy's background doesn't directly relate to transportation, he served on the House Committee on Oversight and Investigations, gaining experience in government accountability. Duffy is expected to focus on eliminating DEI initiatives for pilots and air traffic controllers while emphasizing aesthetic improvements in the rebuilding of the nation's infrastructure—roads, bridges, tunnels, and airports.

Overall, while his qualifications may not align directly with transportation, Duffy's leadership could bring a fresh perspective to infrastructure policy.

Grade: B

Howard Lutnick, a prominent American businessman, has been a vocal supporter of Trump since 2020. He has consistently backed Trump’s stance on implementing strong, broad tariffs and has been an advocate for cryptocurrencies. Both of these positions align well with the responsibilities of the Secretary of Commerce, as the role requires protecting U.S. economic interests and advancing the country’s future economic growth. Lutnick’s business acumen and support for forward-thinking economic policies make him a solid choice for the position.

Grade: B+

Linda McMahon has been a steadfast supporter of Trump for years. She served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration during his first term, and after leaving that role, she played a key part in fundraising for Trump’s 2020 campaign. McMahon also served as Chair of the America First Policy Institute and co-chaired Trump’s 2024 transition team. A strong advocate for school choice and charter schools, McMahon aligns well with Trump’s goal of returning control of education to the states. Her experience and commitment to education reform make her an excellent fit for the role.

Grade: B+

Scott Bessent, a prominent American hedge fund manager and major donor to Donald Trump, has long been eyeing the role of Treasury Secretary. Having served as an economic advisor during Trump’s 2024 campaign, Bessent brings a wealth of experience to the table. His "3-3-3" plan aims to reduce the budget deficit to 3% of GDP, boost GDP growth by 3% through deregulation, and increase U.S. oil production by an additional 3 million barrels per day. Inspired by Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's "three arrows" strategy, Bessent is a staunch supporter of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, cutting the Green New Deal, and decentralizing Medicaid to the state level for cost savings. He advocates for reducing discretionary spending to control the deficit in the long term. With his forward-thinking approach and solid economic policy, Bessent is an excellent choice for Treasury Secretary.

Grade: A

Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who has earned an "F" grade on our scorecard, has been selected as Secretary of Labor, largely due to strong lobbying efforts from the Teamsters. Chavez-DeRemer is expected to be a staunch advocate for unions and workers' rights, positions that we are less favorable toward. Throughout her career, she has supported legislation such as the Protecting the Right to Organize Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. We view her as one of the weaker picks for the Trump Cabinet, with her firm pro-union stance making her one of the most union-friendly Republicans in the nation. It remains to be seen how she will approach labor policies in the administration.

Grade: D+

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been tapped to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, a surprising pick given her limited experience in homeland security matters. We believe Noem’s primary role will be to manage the day-to-day operations of the department, while seasoned advisors like Stephen Miller (S) and Tom Homan (S) will provide the expertise and drive policy implementation. Noem's loyalty to Trump and her high likelihood of passing Senate confirmation—something Miller and Homan may struggle with—are key reasons for her selection. If she effectively listens to and relies on Miller and Homan, the department should run smoothly. However, if Noem is expected to lead on her own, we may see challenges ahead.

Grade: B-

Scott Turner, a former NFL player, served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term. Turner is expected to oversee a department that will likely see significant budget cuts, a priority that Trump pushed during his first term. Turner played a key role in the implementation of Opportunity Zones through the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, showcasing his expertise in urban development. With his experience and understanding of economic revitalization, Turner is well-positioned for the role.

Grade: B

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat who represented Hawaii in Congress until 2021 and ran for president as a Democrat in 2020, has since made a significant shift to the right. Known for her strong foreign policy positions, she stands out as one of the most well-rounded cabinet picks. As Director of National Intelligence, she will oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA. Gabbard has been critical of U.S. and NATO actions regarding the Ukraine conflict and has met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, earning both praise and criticism.

Despite some controversial stances, Gabbard’s approach to foreign policy is often more measured and reasonable than many of her peers, making her an invaluable advisor on intelligence matters. While her domestic policies lean left, she is focused on national security and foreign relations, where her America First alignment shines.

Grade: A

Brooke Rollins served as the acting director of the United States Domestic Policy Council during President Trump’s first term and was also an advisor to Texas Governor Rick Perry. While she has experience in domestic policy, particularly around justice reform, her background in agriculture is limited. Given her focus in Texas politics, she lacks the specialized expertise for managing the Department of Agriculture.

If she follows Trump’s directives closely, she could manage the department without major issues, but overall, her qualifications for this role are somewhat underwhelming. As a pick, she’s rather middle-of-the-road and lacks the strong agricultural focus needed for the job.

Grade: C+

Elon Musk, the visionary behind SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), and Tesla, has emerged as a staunch supporter of President Trump. In recognition of his expertise in optimizing businesses and cutting waste, a new department outside of traditional government structures will be created to advise on the 2027 and beyond budgets. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will focus on identifying and eliminating government waste, and Musk is the perfect candidate for this task.

Musk’s track record speaks for itself—when he acquired X (Twitter), he cut 80% of the staff, leading to a more efficient and improved platform. If anyone can identify inefficiency and waste in government, it’s Musk. He has already engaged with figures like Senators Rand Paul (KY-R) and Mike Lee (UT-R) to discuss government spending issues. We eagerly anticipate the DOGE report, which is expected to be completed ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Grade: A+

Vivek Ramaswamy, an American entrepreneur and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, ran on a platform emphasizing national identity and reducing government overreach. Known for his successful business ventures, Vivek is also a strong advocate for cutting government waste and streamlining operations. His campaign focused on reducing the size of the federal government, including plans to fire 75% of federal employees and make federal employment at-will. He also proposed dismantling many of the so-called "Three Letter Agencies."

Given his commitment to a smaller, more efficient government, Ramaswamy’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is an excellent fit. He has the vision and experience to help identify and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.

Grade: A

Stephen Miller is one of the most influential figures in the Trump administration, known for his strong conservative views and unwavering stance on immigration. Often described as far-right and staunchly anti-immigration, Miller’s return to the White House is a welcome development for many who support Trump’s America First policies. As a senior advisor during Trump’s first term, Miller played a pivotal role in shaping the administration’s immigration policies, most notably serving as the architect of the controversial Muslim Travel Ban and significantly reducing the number of refugees accepted into the United States.

Miller’s loyalty to President Trump has been unwavering, and his commitment to securing the nation’s borders is unparalleled. While his influence has often been controversial, there is no doubt that he has a clear vision for America’s immigration policies and national security. Along with Tom Homan, Miller is expected to play a central role in running the Department of Homeland Security, implementing strict immigration controls, and strengthening national security efforts.

His return to the White House is seen as a major step towards restoring the tough immigration policies that many of Trump’s supporters view as vital to the country’s future. His experience, loyalty, and no-nonsense approach to security make him an ideal fit for the Deputy Chief Of Staff For Policy And Homeland Security Adviser.

Grade: S

Overall, the initial members of President Trump's 2024 Cabinet average a solid B+, a significant improvement over his first-term selections. This group of key appointees reflects a more cohesive and strategically focused team, ready to push forward with Trump’s agenda in a second term. While some of the choices may still spark debate, there is no doubt that this Cabinet is far more aligned with his vision for America’s future.

We will be following up with a second article that delves into the remaining positions, including those in less high-profile roles but still crucial to the administration’s success. For now, however, there is reason for optimism. President Trump seems better prepared this time around, with a Cabinet that combines loyalty, expertise, and the drive needed to tackle the challenges ahead. Looking to the future, it’s clear that this administration is shaping up to be more focused and determined than ever before. Stay tuned for our next update as we continue to break down the full scope of Trump’s 2024 leadership team.