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Article II, Section 2 grants the president the power to nominate federal officials, including cabinet secretaries, with the "Advice and Consent" of the Senate. Nominations typically follow consultations with advisors, political allies, and vetting teams to assess candidates’ qualifications and potential conflicts of interest.
Senate Committee Hearings
Once announced, nominees undergo scrutiny by the Senate committee relevant to their prospective department. For example, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee oversees the appointment of the Secretary of State. Committees hold hearings to evaluate nominees' expertise, policy views, and ethical backgrounds before voting to advance the nomination to the full Senate.
Senate Debate and Confirmation
The Senate then debates and votes on the nominee, with a simple majority required for confirmation. Historically, most cabinet nominees are confirmed, though contentious candidates may face delays or rejection. Recess appointments, which allow presidents to bypass Senate confirmation when Congress is adjourned temporarily, are rare for cabinet roles but remain a constitutional option.
Political Dynamics and Criticisms
While the process is designed to ensure qualified leadership, critics argue it can become overly politicized, particularly when the presidency and Senate are controlled by opposing parties. Despite this, the system underscores the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
The confirmation process is clearly flawed due to the increase in Senate-confirmed positions, constant delays and increased vacancies. Indeed, this broken process is undermining the Senate's constitutional powers, as it has led to executive branch efforts to sidestep Senate confirmation altogether by relying on non-confirmed officials. The number of Senate-confirmed officials must be reduced, and transparency must be improved as per recommendations made a decade ago.
The lengthy vetting and confirmation process ensures nominees are thoroughly scrutinized, reducing the risk of unqualified or ethically compromised individuals assuming critical roles. The system upholds constitutional checks and balances by requiring collaboration between branches, preventing unilateral executive power, and fostering accountability. While imperfect, the process reinforces public trust by prioritizing transparency and deliberation over haste, even if it occasionally slows administrative efficiency.
One controversial aspect of the Trump administration has been its alleged connections to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which aims to create a database of 20,000 personnel for government positions.
This "conservative LinkedIn" is primarily funded by individual donations. Party politics have shaped selections, with many nominees being Trump allies from his first term. Johnny McEntee, who oversaw political appointees during Trump's first term, is involved in Project 2025.
Trump's Public Stance on Project 2025
Trump publicly distanced himself from Project 2025 during his campaign, claiming ignorance and disagreement with some proposals, though reports about his support were conflicting. Additionally, some have argued that industry leaders like Elon Musk could influence automotive policy decisions, suggesting corporate interests could shape cabinet choices and policy directions.
Project 2025 Personnel in Government Roles
So far, several people directly involved in Project 2025 have assumed roles in the White House. Figures such as Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought, senior counselor for trade and manufacturing Peter Navarro, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Brendan Carr, and general counsel for the FCC Adam Candeub all directly contributed to the writing of Project 2025.
J.D. Vance, born in 1984 in Ohio, was elected as the 50th Vice President of the United States in the 2024 election, taking office on Jan. 20, 2025.
At 40 years old, he became one of the youngest vice presidents in U.S. history. His vice presidential role did not require Senate confirmation.
Professional and Political Background
Vance's background includes service as an Ohio Senator, work as a combat correspondent in the Marine Corps, authoring "Hillbilly Elegy," and experience as a venture capitalist. Vance's transition from Trump critic to ally was notable, with Trump expressing a strong preference for Vance over his previous vice president, Mike Pence. Vance has acted as a surrogate for Trump during legal proceedings.
Family Life and Political Positions
Vance is married to Usha Vance, who is the child of Indian immigrants, and they have three children. While Vance and Trump reportedly have a good relationship, Vance has expressed disagreement with Trump on certain economic issues. Vance has connections to conservative think tanks, being described as "closely allied with Heritage [Foundation]." His involvement with Project 2025 has been a point of contention, though he has not explicitly endorsed the plan.
Marco Rubio, a 53-year-old Republican senator from Florida, was nominated by Donald Trump as Secretary of State for his second administration in November 2024.
Known for his extensive experience in foreign affairs, particularly South American issues and a hawkish stance on China, Rubio has become a close foreign policy adviser to Trump despite past conflicts during the 2016 campaign.
Confirmation Process and Appointment
On Jan. 15, 2025, Rubio appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, taking a strong stance against China. The committee unanimously approved his nomination, and he was subsequently confirmed by the full Senate with a 99-0 vote.
Rubio was sworn in as the 72nd Secretary of State on Jan. 21, 2025, replacing outgoing Secretary Antony Blinken. His appointment is considered one of the top cabinet-level positions in the Trump administration.
Foreign Policy Positions and Alignment with Trump
Though, in the past, Rubio's traditional foreign policy views have conflicted with Trump's positions, particularly regarding NATO, Russia, and Ukraine, Rubio has aligned his stance with the president since becoming secretary of state.
For example, Rubio advocated for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, stating that the war had reached a "stalemate" and needed to be "brought to a conclusion," aligning with Trump's position. He has also taken strong stances on other international issues, such as stating that Israel cannot coexist with Hamas and that the group must be eradicated.
Rubio has faced sanctions from China and has advocated for industrial policy to help the United States compete with China's state-directed economy. He has positioned himself as a moderate, mainstream leader on foreign policy and has cosponsored legislation to prevent a president from withdrawing the U.S. from NATO without Congressional approval.
Trump announced the creation of a new "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) on Nov. 12, 2024, appointing Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead it.
Ramaswamy, however, withdrew from leading DOGE in January, immediately after Trump took office. In April 2025, Elon Musk announced that he would be stepping back from his role at the White House in May. He officially exited on May 28, but said DOGE would continue.
Goals and Early Actions of DOGE
DOGE aimed to create "an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before" to reduce government spending, cut regulations, and streamline operations. Musk initially claimed he could cut at least $2 trillion from the nation's $6.5 trillion budget and has worked to reduce the federal government's workforce. Some, however, argue the costs of DOGE may outweigh the savings it has achieved.
Agencies like USAID have been shut down, though, in March 2025, a federal judge ordered the government to reinstate USAID systems. The judge ruled that the accelerated shutdown of the agency "likely violated the United States Constitution in multiple ways."
Ambiguity of DOGE's Status
The exact nature of DOGE is unclear, with some sources describing it as an advisory board operating outside of government, while others suggest it's within the federal government. Musk was not an official federal worker and did not face federal employee requirements or ethical limitations. The position did not require Senate confirmation. Creating DOGE as an official government agency would require congressional approval, leading some to question the legality of DOGE’s recommendations.
Spat with Trump
In June 2025, a public feud erupted between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, primarily over Musk's criticism of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," a tax and spending bill that Musk called a "disgusting abomination" for increasing the national debt. The dispute escalated on social media, with Trump threatening to cut Musk's government contracts, including those for SpaceX, while Musk claimed Trump's name appeared in Jeffrey Epstein's files and suggested his impeachment.
The spat caused a rift between Musk and the president, with Trump stating Musk had "lost his mind" and Musk later expressing regret for some of his harsher posts. Tesla's stock dropped 14% during the feud, reflecting investor concerns, though Musk later deleted some inflammatory posts, signaling a potential de-escalation.
Scott Bessent, a 62-year-old hedge fund manager and Yale graduate, was nominated by Donald Trump for Secretary of the Treasury in November 2024.
Bessent is the founder and CEO of Key Square Group and previously worked for George Soros, including as chief investment officer at Soros Capital Management. Bessent was elected Secretary of the Treasury on Jan. 27, 2025, making him the first openly gay person officially confirmed to Trump's Cabinet.
Economic Policy Positions
Bessent's policy positions include maintaining dollar dominance, permanent tax cuts, reduced government spending, bank regulation reform, energy investment, and "free and fair" trade. He supports using import tariffs as a negotiating tool and has defended Trump's approach to deregulation. Bessent strongly supports Trump's embrace of the crypto industry, potentially signaling a shift in U.S. cryptocurrency policy.
Confirmation and Controversies
His nomination has sparked debate due to his hedge fund's reported performance issues, past association with Soros, and views on tariffs. To address potential conflicts of interest, Bessent committed to divesting from his hedge fund and various investments within 90 days.
His confirmation hearing included questioning about Trump's economic policies, their potential impact on the deficit and inequality, and his approach to implementing tariffs. Bessent and Trump have stated they will allow the current Federal Reserve chair to complete his term, which ends in 2026.
Pete Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army veteran and former Fox News host, was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Defense on Jan. 24, 2025 in a close vote.
All Senate Democrats, as well as three Republicans, voted against him, with Vance breaking the tie in Hegseth's favor. Hegseth's military background includes deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, earning two Bronze Stars.
Media Departure and Nomination
His last day at Fox News was in December 2024, after which he spent time meeting with senators to shore up support for his nomination. Trump's primary charge for Hegseth was to "bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense." Hegseth faced a Senate confirmation hearing in January 2025, where he pledged to focus on "warrior culture" and reverse "woke policies" if confirmed.
Controversies surrounding Hegseth's nomination include questions about his qualifications, past statements on military policy, including opposition to women in combat roles, and a tattoo allegedly associated with white-supremacist groups. Hegseth has been outspoken about rooting out "woke-ness" in the military and has expressed opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Connection to "Signalgate"
As of April 2025, Hegseth has been involved in at least two large leaks regarding U.S. foreign policy. The first involved the accidental inclusion of Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, in a confidential Signal group chat discussing U.S. strikes on targets in Houthi-controlled Yemen, though Hegseth is not thought to have added Goldberg to the chat.
More recently, it was leaked to the media that Hegseth had included his wife, personal attorney, and brother in another Signal chat, though the White House claimed that no classified information was shared. NPR reported that the White House began looking into possible replacements for Hegseth, though so far, Trump administration officials have stood behind Hegseth.
Pam Bondi, 59, was appointed as U.S. attorney general on Feb. 4, 2025. She served as Florida's first female attorney general for two terms from 2011 to 2019, with 18 years of experience as a prosecutor.
Bondi's nomination on Nov. 21, 2024, followed Matt Gaetz's withdrawal due to controversial sexual misconduct allegations. Her close ties to Trump include defending him during his first impeachment and supporting his claims of election fraud.
Role and Responsibilities
As U.S. attorney general, Bondi leads the Department of Justice, overseeing its large staff and budget. Trump has indicated that Bondi would play a role in refocusing the DOJ and addressing what he perceives as its weaponization against Republicans. During her confirmation hearing, Bondi pledged independence but faced scrutiny over her ties to Trump and past statements.
Confirmation and Controversies
Her post-attorney general career as a lobbyist, including work for foreign entities and controversial clients, has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. A $25,000 donation from Trump's foundation to Bondi's PAC in 2013, coinciding with her decision not to join a lawsuit against Trump University, has been a point of controversy.
Her nomination has also been criticized for potentially compromising the Justice Department's independence, given her history of defending Trump and her statements about investigating "the deep state." Despite these issues, Bondi received support from the Republican majority in the Senate for confirmation. Bondi has vowed not to "politicize" or weaponize the Justice Department.
Handling of the Epstein Files
Bondi faced significant criticism for her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, particularly after releasing "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" in February 2025, which contained mostly previously public documents and failed to deliver promised revelations, disappointing Trump supporters and conservative influencers.
Her February claim on Fox News that an Epstein "client list" was on her desk raised expectations, but the Justice Department's July 2025 memo stated no such list existed, leading to accusations of overpromising and fueling tensions with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. Despite the backlash, Trump defended Bondi, urging her to release "whatever she thinks is credible."
Matt Gaetz, a 42-year-old Florida Republican congressman and Trump ally, was nominated for Attorney General in Trump's potential 2025 administration, though Gaetz resigned from his House seat upon nomination.
Controversies and Withdrawal
Gaetz faced controversy, having been involved in a federal investigation regarding alleged sex trafficking and drug use, which concluded in 2023 without charges. A House Ethics Committee was investigating Gaetz before he left Congress, with allegations of paying for sex and sexual contact with a minor. The nomination faced opposition from both parties, raising concerns about Senate confirmation.
After eight days, Gaetz withdrew his candidacy, citing his confirmation process becoming a "distraction." Trump expressed appreciation for Gaetz's efforts. The withdrawal occurred shortly before Trump nominated Pam Bondi for the position.
Howard Lutnick, 63, was appointed as Secretary of Commerce on Feb. 18, 2025, following his nomination for the position in November.
Lutnick was the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, chairman of BGC Group Inc, and chairman of Newmark Group. He serves as a co-chair of Trump's transition team and has been a key economic adviser. Trump praised Lutnick for creating "the most sophisticated process and system to assist the U.S. in creating the greatest administration America has ever seen."
Duties and Policy Agenda
As Secretary of Commerce, Lutnick will oversee funding for new computer chip factories, impose trade restrictions, release economic data, and monitor weather. He is expected to lead the Tariff and Trade agenda and oversee the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Lutnick is described as a "big tariff fan" and has expressed support for broad tariffs.
He has indicated optimism regarding the administration's ability to renegotiate trade relationships with countries on which Trump has moved to levy tariffs. He is also a major supporter of cryptocurrency, particularly Tether.
Confirmation and Controversies
Lutnick's nomination has raised concerns among some about potential conflicts of interest due to his extensive business holdings. He divested from his current roles and companies to take on the position. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Commerce confirmation process. Lutnick will oversee economic growth, domestic industries, AI regulation, and CHIPS Act implementation.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was nominated by Donald Trump for Secretary of Health and Human Services on Nov. 14, 2024 and appointed to the position on Feb. 13. 2025.
Kennedy, 70, is an environmental lawyer and author known for his controversial views on vaccines. He will lead the Department of Health and Human Services, overseeing more than 100 programs including the FDA, CDC, NIH, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Mandate and Goals
Trump has tasked Kennedy with removing corruption from regulatory agencies, returning to evidence-based science, and addressing the chronic disease epidemic. Kennedy claimed Trump promised him "control" of public health agencies.
Confirmation and Controversies
His appointment faced strong opposition, with more than 75 Nobel Prize winners signing a letter urging senators not to confirm him. Conversely, a group of 800 medical professionals released a letter supporting his nomination.
Some Republican senators, like Ron Johnson, supported Kennedy's appointment, while several members of Kennedy's family have distanced themselves from his vaccine-critical activities.
Kennedy has proposed controversial policies, including removing fluoride from drinking water, eliminating entire departments, firing FDA employees, suspending federal funding for mRNA vaccines and ending the FDA's "aggressive suppression" of certain therapies. He also set up a website seeking crowdsourced nominees for federal appointments, and launched a controversial project to investigate Autism.
On Nov. 14, 2024, Donald Trump nominated Tulsi Gabbard, a 43-year-old former Democratic congresswoman, as Director of National Intelligence for his 2025 administration. Her nomination was confirmed on Feb. 12, 2025.
Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 and recently joined the Republican Party, was praised by Trump for her "fearless spirit" and alignment with his vision. She will oversee 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and be responsible for preparing the President's Daily Brief.
Military and Political Background
Gabbard's background includes over 20 years in the Army National Guard, deployments to Iraq and Kuwait, and her current rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. She was the first Hindu and Samoan-American elected to Congress and used the Bhagavad Gita to take her oath of office in 2013.
Her political journey includes serving for two years on the House Homeland Security Committee, becoming a Fox News contributor after leaving the Democratic Party, and participating in a practice debate session for Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Controversies
The nomination sparked controversy due to Gabbard's lack of direct intelligence experience, past meetings with foreign leaders considered adversaries, particularly former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and accusations of being influenced by Russia.
Recently, Gabbard has expressed full support for Trump's stance on Syria and shifted her position on foreign intelligence gathering, now supporting Section 702 while promising to protect civil liberties.
Kristi Noem, the 52-year-old Governor of South Dakota, was nominated by Donald Trump for Secretary of Homeland Security in November 2024. Noem was confirmed on Jan. 25, 2025, with several Democrats supporting her nomination.
As the first female governor of South Dakota and a former U.S. Representative, Noem has been a strong supporter of Trump's policies, particularly on immigration. Her nomination aligns with Trump's focus on border security. Noem oversees the department's $60-62 billion budget and various agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Secret Service, and FEMA.
Confirmation and Controversies
Noem's Senate confirmation hearing was held on Jan. 17, 2025, where she emphasized border security as a top priority, pledged to eliminate the CBP One app, and proposed reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy.
Her nomination faced scrutiny due to her lack of federal-level homeland security experience, with some expressing concern about her approach to other issues such as cybersecurity and domestic terrorism.
Noem's tenure as governor was marked by minimal COVID restrictions, which were both praised and criticized. Controversies surrounding her nomination include her past statements about tribal lands — resulting in her being banned from South Dakota reservations — her border troop deployment funding, and her stance on Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese goods.
Despite some opposition, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Noem's nomination with bipartisan support.
Kash Patel, a 44-year-old former Justice Department prosecutor, was confirmed as Trump's nominee for FBI Director on Feb. 20, 2025, becoming the first Indian-American and youngest FBI Director.
Professional Ties and Media Activity
Patel currently holds a consulting contract with Trump Media and Technology Group, reportedly paying him at least $120,000 annually. Patel has published pro-Trump books, including children's books, and has regularly appeared on right-wing podcasts. He has also testified before a federal grand jury investigating Trump's handling of classified documents.
Confirmation and Controversies
Patel's nomination was controversial due to his criticism of the Department of Justice, alleged threats against political adversaries, and plans to declassify government secrets. He has suggested closing the FBI headquarters and reopening them as a "museum of the deep state."
The nomination process faced several challenges, including Senate confirmation and the removal of then-Director Christopher Wray, whose term was not set to end until 2027.
Patel's appointment marks a shift in FBI leadership, traditionally characterized by its 10-year terms spanning multiple administrations.
Handling of the Epstein Files
Patel faced scrutiny for his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, initially promising transparency but later stating there was no "client list" or evidence of blackmail, disappointing Trump supporters expecting major revelations. Patel was tasked by Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate why thousands of documents related to Epstein's investigation were not disclosed, yet he concluded the case with a July 2025 memo affirming Epstein's suicide and no further actionable evidence.
Reports suggest Patel deployed hundreds of FBI agents to review Epstein files, with allegations from Senator Dick Durbin that they specifically searched for Trump references, fueling claims of a cover-up.
Linda McMahon, 76, was nominated by Donald Trump for U.S. Secretary of Education on Nov. 19, 2024 and was confirmed on Mar. 3, 2025.
McMahon is a former WWE executive and co-founder, having served as CEO. She previously served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration under Trump from 2017 to 2019.
Background and Education Policy Views
McMahon's education experience includes serving on Connecticut's Board of Education for about a year and Sacred Heart University's board of trustees for over 14 years. She holds a B.S. in French from East Carolina University. McMahon supports school choice, charter schools, and expanded Pell Grant eligibility.
She has been a significant campaign donor to Trump and Republican causes, contributing $5 million to the Donald J. Trump Foundation, over $7 million to pro-Trump super PACs during Trump's first presidential campaign, and $10 million to the Make America Great Again PAC in 2024.
Controversies
Critics, including the National Education Association president, have raised concerns about McMahon's qualifications and potential policies. These concerns include possible dismantling of the federal Department of Education, impacts on special needs education and services for poor students, and potential changes to Title IX interpretations regarding transgender students in sports.
Since taking her position, McMahon has overseen Trump's decision to suspend federal funding to universities the Trump administration accuses of not doing enough to combat alleged antisemitism. She has also warned schools and organizations against allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports.
John Ratcliffe was nominated by President Trump for CIA Director on Nov. 12, 2024 and was confirmed on Jan. 23, 2025.
Ratcliffe previously served as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) from 2020 to 2021, making him the first person to hold both positions. Since taking office, Ratcliffe has pledged to oversee the CIA's restructuring to eliminate "well-documented politicization."
Background and Controversies
His background includes roles as a U.S. representative, mayor of Heath, Texas, and U.S. attorney. Ratcliffe holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Southern Methodist University. He is known for his strong stance on China, viewing it as the top threat to U.S. interests.
Ratcliffe was a co-chair at the Center for American Security at the America First Policy Institute. Despite being a Trump ally, Ratcliffe reportedly resisted efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Russell Vought was nominated by Donald Trump to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in November 2024.
Vought previously held this position during Trump's first term. He was confirmed on Feb. 6, 2025. As OMB Director, Vought is responsible for developing the president's budget and reviewing proposed regulations.
Connection to Project 2025
Vought is a key architect of "Project 2025," and his vision for the OMB includes extensive involvement in White House policy processes and increased presidential control over government agencies.
Vought advocates for aggressive measures to "dismantle the bureaucracy," including the implementation of "Schedule F," which would reclassify thousands of civil servants to enable easier termination.
He has criticized the concept of independent agencies within the government and believes "civil servants should be oriented to accomplishing the agenda of a president, not the office of the president, not their institutions."
Lee Zeldin, a 44-year-old former Republican congressman from New York, was nominated by Donald Trump for EPA Administrator on Nov. 11, 2024 and confirmed on Jan. 29, 2025.
Zeldin holds a J.D. from Albany Law School and a B.A. from State University of New York. His background includes service in the U.S. Army, including deployment to Iraq, and he continues to serve in the Army Reserve.
Political Career and Environmental Record
Zeldin's political career spans from the New York State Senate to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served on key committees and advocated for various issues, including environmental concerns. He ran unsuccessfully for governor of New York in 2022.
The League of Conservation Voters gave Zeldin a low 14% rating for his environmental voting record. However, Zeldin voted in favor of a 2016 chemical safety law and supported taking action on PFAS contamination.
He also championed infrastructure and research projects, including preservation of Plum Island and a $2 billion Electron-Ion Collider for Brookhaven National Lab.
Confirmation and Policy Positions
During his confirmation hearing on Jan. 16, 2025, Zeldin stated that climate change is real and fossil fuels are contributing to global warming. He advocated for an all-of-the-above energy strategy and emphasized the need for continuous environmental improvement.
Zeldin pledged to focus on energy dominance, auto industry revitalization, and AI leadership while maintaining environmental protections. He expressed commitment to upholding the EPA's mission and cited his experience representing a coastal district as qualifications.
Zeldin has stated that the EPA would use its enforcement authority when necessary and presented a more collaborative approach towards the agency and its career staff compared to the previous Trump administration. Several of Zeldin's staffers and allies, including Daniel Gall, have been listed in the EPA staff directory as political appointees.
Mike Waltz was a Republican U.S. Representative serving Florida's 6th Congressional District from 2019 to 2025. He was named as Trump's new pick for U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. after the previous pick, Elise Stefanik, was dropped.
Before being named as Trump’s pick for the role, Waltz worked as the White House's national security advisor. Reports indicated that Waltz was the one who added Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a signal chat with other members of Trump's team, with Trump defending him after the incident broke in the media.
While the Trump administration has framed the U.N. ambassadorship as a promotion, some have suggested the cabinet reshuffle was in response to "Signalgate."
Military and Policy Background
Waltz has focused on national security, veterans' affairs, and space policy, reflecting his background as a former U.S. Army Green Beret and defense policy advisor.
Before becoming a representative, he served multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and later worked in the Pentagon. He also worked as a counterterrorism advisor in the George W. Bush administration.
Waltz sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where he advocates for military modernization and veteran health care reforms.
Nomination and Withdrawal of Elise Stefanik
Elise Stefanik, a 40-year-old Republican Representative from New York, was initially nominated by Trump for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. in November 2024. Stefanik has served in Congress since 2015, transforming from a moderate Republican to a strong Trump ally.
Stefanik has limited foreign policy experience but has served on relevant House committees. She is known for her strong support of Israel and efforts to combat alleged antisemitism on college campuses.
On Jan. 21, 2025, Stefanik underwent a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing. During the hearing, she pledged to implement Trump's “America First” agenda, review U.N. funding, counter China's influence, and strongly support Israel.
However, in late March 2025, Trump withdrew Stefanik's nomination, saying that it was "essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress."
Currently, Dorothy Shea, who was appointed during the Biden administration, is the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
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