In a whirlwind of appointments, President Trump has
rapidly filled key positions on his health care, national security, and economic teams. These crucial roles will shape the direction of the nation in the coming years, and the President’s choices have been met with a mix of praise and criticism.
Trumps Healthcare Team: Positioning for a Healthcare Agenda
Trump’s Healthcare Team: Positioning for a Healthcare Agenda
The healthcare team under the Trump administration is taking shape, with appointments for key positions in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other agencies. These appointments indicate the direction the Trump administration is likely to take on healthcare policy, with a focus on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanding choice and competition in the
health insurance market, and reducing the role of government in healthcare.
| Position |
Appointee |
| Secretary of Health and Human Services |
Tom Price |
| Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services |
Seema Verma |
| Director of the National Institutes of Health |
Francis Collins |
Bolstering National Security: Trumps Cabinet Picks for Defense and Intelligence
Bolstering National Security: Trump’s Cabinet Picks for Defense and Intelligence
President-elect Trump’s appointments for the Pentagon and
intelligence agencies suggest a strong emphasis on military strength and intelligence gathering. Retired Marine Corps General James Mattis, chosen as Secretary of Defense, is a veteran with a reputation for blunt talk and a belief in a strong military. Dan Coats, the former senator picked to lead the Director of National Intelligence, has a long history in national security and intelligence matters. John Kelly, the retired four-star Marine general tapped to head the Department of Homeland Security, is known for his tough stance on immigration and border security. These appointments signal a shift in focus toward a more assertive and muscular U.S. foreign policy, with a renewed emphasis on military power and intelligence gathering.
| Position |
Nominee |
| Secretary of Defense |
James Mattis |
| Director of National Intelligence |
Dan Coats |
| Secretary of Homeland Security |
John Kelly |
Economic Revival: Trumps picks for Treasury, Commerce, and Trade
Backed by 5 GOP votes, Donald Trump has secured the nomination of the Republican Judd Gregg [R-NH] to his cabinet as commerce secretary. Gregg is the 54th Governor of New Hampshire, serving from 1989 to 1993. Gregg is also a former member of the U.S. Senate and the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Previously, Trump picked the Indiana Governor Mike Pence as vice president, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani to lead his cybersecurity team and ex-Texas Governor Rick Perry to be his energy secretary; as well as financier Steven Mnuchin as treasury secretary and naming Wilbur Ross for commerce, who most recently made his fortune by investing in distressed assets and restructuring bankrupt companies.
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Concluding Remarks
The President has taken swift action to fill out his administration, appointing a number of high-profile individuals to key positions in health care, national security, and the economy. These moves are likely to have a significant impact on the direction of the country in the months and years to come. It is important to note that these appointments are still subject to Senate confirmation.