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An Israeli citizen missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found dead, Israeli authorities said on Sunday, in what they described as an “antisemitic terrorist act.”

Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan citizen and representative of Chabad, a religious movement of Hasidic Jews with communities, synagogues and other institutions in many countries, had been missing since Thursday afternoon.

In a joint statement Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Kogan’s body had been located by UAE authorities.

“The murder of Tzvi Kogan, of blessed memory, is a heinous antisemitic terrorist act. The State of Israel will use all means at its disposal to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice,” the statement said.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, condemned the killing as a “cowardly and despicable act of anti-semitic terror.”

Earlier, the PMO said that Israel’s National Security Agency had previously recommended Israeli citizens avoid unnecessary travel to the UAE.

The UAE interior ministry confirmed Saturday it “had received a report from the family of a Moldovan national named Zvi Kogan, stating that he has been missing and out of contact since last Thursday” and that an investigation was underway.

Kogan worked alongside other Chabad emissaries to establish and expand Judaism in the UAE. He founded the first Jewish education center in the region, as well as helped make kosher food widely available, according to the Chabad movement’s official website.

Kogan’s wife Rivky is a US national, whose uncle Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg was killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

This is a developing story. More to come.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

Armed and hooded members of the Venezuelan security forces have surrounded Argentina’s embassy in Caracas, according to leaders of the country’s opposition.

Six members of the opposition are currently taking refuge in the embassy, having fled there to escape a crackdown by Venezuelan authorities in the run-up to July’s presidential elections.

Pedro Urruchurtu, who has been in the embassy since March and is the international coordinator for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, wrote on X Saturday that armed hooded members of the National Police had closed off streets around the embassy. Drones were hovering above the embassy and phone signals had been cut off, he said.

Omar Gonzalez, another opposition member living in the embassy, posted a video on X showing Venezuelan police outside the diplomatic building.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in the July election, despite widespread skepticism in the country and overseas about the result.

Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez – who was last week recognized by the US as the winner of that election – said in a post on X Saturday that the embassy had been “besieged by hooded people.”

“I alert the world to what may happen to fellow refugees in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas,” Gonzalez said.

Similar scenes took place in September, when Venezuelan security forces surrounded the Argentine embassy.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

Richard ‘Ric’ Grenell, the former acting director of National Intelligence in President-elect Trump’s first administration, is reportedly under consideration to be special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Currently, there is no special envoy responsible for bringing an end to the war in Eastern Europe. Trump is strongly considering whether to create the role, Reuters reported, citing four sources familiar with the president’s deliberations.

If he does create the new position, Grenell is said to be a leading candidate, though Trump may select someone else, the sources told Reuters. There is also no guarantee that Grenell would accept the position if it were offered to him, the sources reportedly said. 

Fox News Digital was previously told Grenell was under consideration to be U.S. Secretary of State. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was instead named to lead the State Department.

Neither Grenell nor the Trump transition team responded to requests for comment. 

Trump repeatedly made campaign promises to quickly resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, if elected, although he has never laid out a specific plan to end the war.

Grenell, an outspoken Trump loyalist, has made statements in the past that may be of concern to Ukrainian leadership.

During a Bloomberg round table in July, he advocated for the creation of ‘autonomous zones’ as a means of settling the conflict, which began after Russia invaded Ukrainian sovereign territory. He also suggested he would not be in favor of Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the immediate future, a position he shares with many Trump allies.

Grenell’s supporters note he has had a long diplomatic career and has a deep knowledge of European affairs. In addition to serving as ambassador to Germany, Grenell was also a special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations.

Prior to working for the first Trump administration, Grenell was a U.S. State Department spokesman to the United Nations under President George W. Bush. He has advised various Republican candidates and was a foreign policy spokesman for Mitt Romney during the 2012 presidential campaign.

Grenell was previously a Fox News contributor. 

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Just hours after former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration to be attorney general, President-elect Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his AG nominee.

‘For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore,’ Trump wrote in his announcement. ‘Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.

‘I have known Pam for many years – She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!’

Bondi chairs the Center of Litigation and co-chairs the Center for Law and Justice at the America First Policy Institute. 

Here’s what to know about Trump’s new AG pick:

Bondi worked as a prosecutor before becoming Florida’s first female attorney general

Bondi, 59, is a Tampa native and earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Florida and her law degree from Stetson Law School. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1991.

She worked as a prosecutor out of the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office for more than 18 years, trying a variety of cases from domestic violence to murder.

Bondi made history in 2010 as the state’s first female attorney general. Her campaign emphasized challenging the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and later focused on human trafficking issues once in office. She also notably shut down pill mills and tackled the state’s opioid crisis. 

She held the post until 2019. 

Bondi has worked closely with Trump, including on his defense team for his first impeachment trial 

Bondi worked as one of Trump’s defense lawyers in 2020 after he was first impeached on allegations that he had abused his power and obstructed Congress. 

‘They have not charged the president with any crime because the president did nothing wrong,’ Bondi said when articles of impeachment were sent by the House to the Senate. ‘There was no crime. The transcript of that phone call speaks for itself.’

Bondi also worked on Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first administration. In her role on the commission, Bondi collaborated with national leaders on drug prevention and treatment. 

Bondi is a partner at a lobbying firm with ties to Trump and incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles

Bondi is a partner at Ballard Partners, a Florida-based lobbying firm founded by Brian Ballard. Bondi splits her time between Florida and Washington, D.C., chairing the firm’s corporate regulatory practice. 

The D.C. office notably earned more than $70 million in lobbying fees during Trump’s first term by representing various corporate clients, according to federal disclosures. 

Trump’s incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, also works for the firm after becoming a partner there following Trump’s 2016 victory. 

Bondi has been a staunch supporter of Trump throughout his legal troubles

Bondi has been vocal in her criticism about Trump’s prosecutions, going so far as appearing alongside Trump in New York City during his hush money trial. 

‘They make it sound like it’s a first-degree murder case, and I’ve tried plenty of trial cases, Trace, and never seen anything like this,’ Bondi told Fox News host Trace Gallagher in April, shortly after Trump was issued a gag order in his New York case. 

‘They’re trying to gag him not only of his First Amendment rights but of defending himself,’ Bondi said at the time. 

Fox News Digital’s Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

The U.S. Army this week took steps to advance American military capabilities by ordering close to 12,000 surveillance drones small enough to fit in a backpack as the reality of battle shifts in favor of electronic warfare. 

Conflicts around the globe, particularly the war in Ukraine, have drastically changed how major nations think about conducting war, explained drone expert and former U.S. Army intelligence and special operations soldier Brett Velicovich to Fox News Digital.

The nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine has often depicted scenes not witnessed since World War II, with children loaded onto trains, veins of trenches scarring the eastern front and renewed concern over how the geopolitics of this conflict could ensnare the entire Western world. 

But Ukraine’s scrappy response to its often outnumbered and at times outgunned reality has completely changed how major nations look at the modern-day battlefield. 

‘Think about how we fought wars in the past,’ Velicovich, a Fox News contributor, said, pointing to the Vietnam War. ‘When you were fighting the enemy over that trench line, you didn’t know who was over that hill. You saw a red hat and you fired at it.’ 

‘Now you have the ability to see what’s over that hill and maneuver your forces quickly based on that,’ he added. 

A report by The Wall Street Journal this week said the U.S. Army secured potentially its largest-ever purchase of small surveillance drones from Red Cat Holding’s Utah-based Teal Drones. 

This move is a significant step that the U.S. has been eyeing for more than a decade after terrorists first began employing small-drone tactics against the U.S. military in the Middle East.

According to Velicovich, who routinely visits Ukraine to advise on drone technology, the U.S. is trailing its top adversaries like Russia and China when it comes investment in drone capabilities.  

While the U.S. invested heavily in sophisticated systems like Predator and Reaper drones — which are multimillion-dollar systems designed for intelligence collection and lengthy navigation flight times and possess missile strike capabilities — it is the small, cheaply made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which are changing battlefield dynamics. 

‘These handheld, small UAS systems that you are able to take a drone with a bomb strapped to it [have become] basically an artillery shell now. It’s guided artillery shells,’ Velicovich said in reference to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, which include not only the UAV, but also the controller manned from the ground. ‘Frankly, it’s changing how countries are going to fight wars in the future, and the U.S. has been so slow to get ahead of this.’

It has reportedly taken the U.S. Army some 15 years to start beefing up its Short Range Reconnaissance program with these backpack-sized drones, in part because there was a mental hurdle the Department of Defense needed to push through.

‘It’s the mentality of senior leaders,’ Velicovich explained. ‘These guys are hardened battle infantry guys. They didn’t grow up with fancy technology.’

‘It really takes a lot of people understanding, changing their thought process. And that’s happening now because of the accelerating war in Ukraine, where they’ve seen how effective drones are,’ he said, noting that drones can no longer be dismissed as gimmicks or toys of the future. 

‘Now it’s real. Now it’s here, the future is here,’ Velicovich said. ‘We will never fight another war without drones.’

Teal Drones worked to develop a UAS system based on battlefield needs identified by the U.S. Army, and eventually created the drone that has been dubbed the Black Widow, explained Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson to Fox News Digital. 

This sophisticated system is capable of being operated by a single man, can resist Russian jammers, has strike capabilities, and can fly in GPS-denied zones — an important factor that has been highlighted by the war in Ukraine.

‘The Short Range Reconnaissance drone is really going to be able to help the warfighter be more lethal and be a safer soldier,’ Thompson said.

The U.S. Army greenlighted the purchase of nearly 12,000 drones. Each soldier kitted out with the Black Widow technology will be given what is called a ‘system,’ which includes two drones and one controller — all of which can fit in one’s rucksack. 

Each system, including the drones and controller, costs the U.S. government about $45,000.

But, as Johnson pointed out, Ukraine’s armed forces are going through about 10,000 drones a month — which suggests the U.S. will need to acquire far more than 12,000 drones. 

The war in Ukraine has shown that affordably made drones, particularly FPV drones, which stands for ‘first-person view,’ can be made for as low as $1,000 a drone and frequently strapped with explosives and utilized as kamikaze drones. 

But drone warfare is about significantly more than sheer quantity — it’s a ‘power game.’

‘This is a cat and mouse game,’ Velicovich said, explaining that drone and counter-drone technology, like jamming systems, are constantly evolving. ‘This is playing out at a level that most people don’t realize.’

‘It’s like we were almost peering into the future,’ he continued. ‘We are seeing what’s happening on the ground now, there in Ukraine, and eventually we’ll have to fight a war similar to it, and we just need to be ready.’

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President-elect Trump tapped Brooke Rollins as his agriculture secretary.

In a statement on Saturday, Trump lauded Rollins’ ‘commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns.’

‘A proud Graduate of Texas A&M University, Brooke earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture Development, and J.D., with Honors,’ the announcement said. ‘From her upbringing in the small and Agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, to her years of leadership involvement with Future Farmers of America and 4H, to her generational Family Farming background, to guiding her four kids in their show cattle careers, Brooke has a practitioner’s experience, along with deep Policy credentials in both Nonprofit and Government leadership at the State and National levels.’

‘As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American Farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country,’ Trump said. ‘Congratulations Brook!’

Rollins, who grew up on a farm in Glen Rose, Texas, was a surprise pick for the position. Former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who met with the president-elect at Mar-a-Lago on Friday afternoon, was rumored to fill the position prior to the official Trump announcement on Saturday.

Rollins was previously rumored to be on the short-list for Trump’s pick of chief of staff – which ultimately was given to longtime ally Susie Wiles.

Rollins served as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council during the first Trump administration. 

Since her time in the Trump White House, Rollins co-founded the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute think tank.

If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins would lead a 100,000-person agency with offices in every county in the country. The role includes managing farm and nutrition, forestry, food safety, rural development, agricultural research and more. 

It had a budget of $437.2 billion in 2024.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

President-elect Trump tapped Brooke Rollins as his agriculture secretary.

In a statement on Saturday, Trump lauded Rollins’ ‘commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns.’

‘A proud Graduate of Texas A&M University, Brooke earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture Development, and J.D., with Honors,’ the announcement said. ‘From her upbringing in the small and Agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, to her years of leadership involvement with Future Farmers of America and 4H, to her generational Family Farming background, to guiding her four kids in their show cattle careers, Brooke has a practitioner’s experience, along with deep Policy credentials in both Nonprofit and Government leadership at the State and National levels.’

Rollins served as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council during the first Trump administration. 

Since her time in the Trump White House, Rollins has co-founded the America First Policy Institute think tank.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

President-elect Trump has rounded out his picks for the top 15 positions within his Cabinet, handpicking an array of establishment and unconventional officials for top posts in just three weeks.

Trump has moved at a rapid pace to shape his upcoming administration, which stands in contrast to his first run at the presidency in 2016.

The president-elect’s picks have diverse ideologies united under Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

From Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s pro-choice stance to Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s pro-union stance and former George Soros adviser Scott Bessent, Trump’s Cabinet reflects a new era for Republican presidents.

1. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. – Secretary of Health and Human Services

Kennedy, a former Democrat, has been open about his pro-choice stance, much to the chagrin of conservative Republicans. 

The former presidential candidate shared a video on social media this summer, writing in a post, ‘I support the emerging consensus that abortion should be unrestricted up until a certain point.’ 

He suggested that this limit should be ‘when the baby is viable outside the womb.’ Viability is understood to occur around 24 weeks gestation. 

Kennedy will likely be asked in his upcoming hearing the extent of his pro-choice stance. Several Republicans are wary of Trump’s pick for HHS, while others expressed confidence he would act in line with the administration.

‘I would fully expect any of Trump’s nominees to be pro-life, as is President Trump,’ Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., told Fox News Digital. ‘It does need to be addressed.’

‘I believe what he’s going to do is do the right thing,’ Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said of Kennedy.

Trump’s softening stance toward abortion was a notable point during his campaign. Trump has said he would leave abortion to the states after of Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Trump notably opposes a federal abortion ban but has remained opposed to late-term abortions. In July, the Republican Party abandoned its long-standing position of advocating for abortions. 

2. Lori Chavez-DeRemer – Labor Secretary 

Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination received strong support from unions, which once stood at odds with Republican ideology.

The president-elect lauded her for working ‘tirelessly with both Business and Labor to build America’s workforce, and support the hardworking men and women of America.’ 

‘I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs,’ Trump said in an Friday announcement.

During her short stint as a House Republican, Chavez-DeRemer championed labor rights. She co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which increased penalties for employers who break labor law and makes it easier to unionize. She also co-sponsored the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which would expand the powers of public sector unions.

Her candidacy for the post was backed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, whose president thanked Trump for the pro-labor pick.

‘North America’s strongest union is ready to work with you every step of the way to expand good union jobs and rebuild our nation’s middle class,’ Teamsters President Sean O’Brien wrote on X. ‘Let’s get to work!’ 

Similarly, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler praised Chavez-DeRemer for having ‘built a pro-labor record in Congress.’

‘But Donald Trump is the president-elect of the United States — not Rep. Chavez-DeRemer — and it remains to be seen what she will be permitted to do as secretary of labor in an administration with a dramatically anti-worker agenda,’ Shuler said.

3. Scott Bessent – Treasury Secretary

President-elect Trump nominated Bessent as his top economic official to implement ‘Trumponomics.’ 

Bessent made a name for himself at Soros Capital Management, where he worked as chief investment officer from 2011 to 2015. Following his work with Soros, he founded hedge fund Key Square Capital Management and was a key economic policy adviser and fundraiser for the Trump campaign.

He has been an advocate for economic policies like lower taxes, spending restraint and deregulation that have long made up the core of the Republican Party’s platform and has been supportive of Trump’s use of tariffs in trade negotiations.

In a statement, Consumer Bankers Association President and CEO Lindsey Johnson congratulated Bessent on the nomination.

‘As an experienced and accomplished businessman, we applaud Mr. Bessent’s recent comments in which he has called for a surge in small business optimism, a smart deregulatory banking agenda and support for Main Street,’ Johnson said.

‘If confirmed, we look forward to working with Mr. Bessent to advocate for sound financial regulatory policy that enable banks to better support consumers, small businesses and the economy at large.’

4. Marco Rubio – Secretary of State

As America’s top diplomat, Rubio was plucked from his Senate term in Florida to serve in Trump’s upcoming administration.

Rubio, a former critic of Trump, has supported strong relations with foreign alliances, including NATO, advocating for a robust U.S. presence in the world. He has also publicly supported Israel’s war against Hamas and spoken out against continued aid to Ukraine.

‘It is my Great Honor to announce that Senator Marco Rubio, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The United States Secretary of State. Marco is a Highly Respected Leader, and a very powerful Voice for Freedom,’ Trump said in a statement. ‘He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries.’

In a statement, Rubio, 53, said he was ‘honored’ by the trust Trump ‘has placed in me.’

‘As Secretary of State, I will work every day to carry out his foreign policy agenda,’ Rubio wrote on X. ‘Under the leadership of President Trump we will deliver peace through strength and always put the interests of Americans and America above all else.’

5. Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense

A combat veteran and former Fox News host, Hegseth was picked as the senior executive in the Department of Defense, which oversees the U.S. military and Pentagon. 

Hegseth, who served as an Army infantryman in Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the MinnesotaNational Guard, has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s national security approach.

Hegseth has been under increased scrutiny after former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s decision to drop out following sexual misconduct allegations. Hegseth is also facing sexual misconduct allegations from a 2017 encounter. Scrutiny increased late Wednesday night after police in Monterey, California, released a report about the allegations.

‘The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared,’ Hegseth told reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday. Through his attorney, he has also acknowledged the sexual encounter but has said it was consensual.

6. Pam Bondi – Attorney General

Following Gaetz’s removal from consideration for the nation’s top cop, Trump chose Bondi as his attorney general pick.

Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, was named by Trump hours after Gaetz withdrew. Bondi is a longtime Trump supporter who served on his legal team during his impeachment trial.

‘For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore,’ Trump wrote in his announcement. ‘Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.

‘I have known Pam for many years – She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!’

7. Doug Burgum – Secretary of the Interior

North Dakota Gov. Burgum, a staunch advocate of expanded fossil fuel production, was picked as Trump’s secretary of the interior. Trump also named him to the newly created ‘energy czar’ position.

Burgum has been an ally of Trump since he suspended his own presidential campaign. Burgum made energy and natural resources a key part of his campaign for the GOP nomination.

The president-elect said in a statement the newly formed National Energy Council ‘will oversee the path to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the Economy, and by focusing on INNOVATION over longstanding, but totally unnecessary, regulation.’

8. Brooke Rollins – Agriculture Secretary 

Rollins, who grew up on a farm in Glen Rose, Texas, was a surprise pick for the position. Others, including former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., were floated as top contenders.

Rollins served as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council during the first Trump administration. Since her time in the Trump White House, Rollins co-founded the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute think tank.

‘A proud Graduate of Texas A&M University, Brooke earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture Development, and J.D., with Honors,’ the announcement said. ‘From her upbringing in the small and Agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, to her years of leadership involvement with Future Farmers of America and 4H, to her generational Family Farming background, to guiding her four kids in their show cattle careers, Brooke has a practitioner’s experience, along with deep Policy credentials in both Nonprofit and Government leadership at the State and National levels.’

9. Howard Lutnick – Commerce Secretary 

Lutnick, 63, has served as the co-chair of Trump’s transition team and was a key fundraiser for Trump’s 2020 and 2024 campaigns.

‘I am thrilled to announce that Howard Lutnick, Chairman & CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, will join my Administration as the United States Secretary of Commerce,’ Trump said in a statement. ‘He will lead our Tariff and Trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.’

The Commerce Department plays a key role in regulating international trade with the U.S. as well as promoting economic growth domestically.

There are several notable bureaus within the Commerce Department, including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Industry and Security, which work on issues related to national security and sensitive technologies by enforcing export controls and promoting the health of the U.S. defense industrial base.

10. Scott Turner – Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development

Turner, 52, Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a former NFL player. 

He served in Trump’s first administration as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

‘Scott is an NFL Veteran, who, during my First Term, served as the First Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC), helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities,’ Trump said in a statement Friday.

11. Sean Duffy – Secretary of Transportation

Duffy is a former Wisconsin congressman and former Fox News contributor and FOX Business co-host.

‘Sean has been a tremendous and well-liked public servant, starting his career as a District Attorney for Ashland, Wisconsin, and later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District,’ Trump said in his announcement Monday. 

‘Sean will use his experience and the relationships he has built over many years in Congress to maintain and rebuild our Nation’s Infrastructure, and fulfill our Mission of ushering in The Golden Age of Travel, focusing on Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation. Importantly, he will greatly elevate the Travel Experience for all Americans!’

Shortly after the announcement, a spokesperson for Fox News Media released the following statement: ‘Sean Duffy provided valuable insights and analysis in co-hosting the FOX Business Network program ‘The Bottom Line.’ As Duffy departs FOX News Media effective today, we wish him the best of luck in his return to Washington. Moving forward, ‘The Bottom Line’ will continue with Dagen McDowell joined by rotating co-hosts.’

12. Chris Wright – Secretary of Energy

Wright, the CEO and founder of Liberty Energy, will lead the Department of Energy.

‘I am thrilled to announce that Chris Wright will be joining my Administration as both United States Secretary of Energy, and Member of the newly formed Council of National Energy,’ Trump said in a statement. 

According to Liberty Energy’s website, Wright graduated from MIT with a degree in mechanical engineering. He also completed graduate work in electrical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley and MIT.

‘[Wright] is a self-described tech nerd turned entrepreneur and a dedicated humanitarian on a mission to better human lives by expanding access to abundant, affordable, and reliable energy,’ the company’s website says.

The key Cabinet position announcement comes after Trump made energy independence and bolstering oil and gas production a cornerstone of his campaign.

13. Linda McMahon – Secretary of Education

McMahon serves as co-chair of Trump’s transition team and is a major GOP donor and a retired World Wrestling Entertainment executive.

Clips of McMahon’s body slams have resurfaced across social media in the days since the announcement of her appointment. 

McMahon served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009. She told lawmakers at the time she had a lifelong interest in education and once planned to become a teacher. She attempted two runs at the Senate as a Connecticut Republican, losing the 2010 race to Richard Blumenthal and the 2012 race to Chris Murphy. 

McMahon then provided $6 million to help Trump’s candidacy after he secured the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. She served as administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2019.

14. Douglas Collins – Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Former Rep. Collins, R-Ga., is an Air Force Reserve chaplain.

Collins, 58, last ran for office in 2020 when he vied for a Georgia Senate seat and served two years as a Navy chaplain before joining the Air Force as a chaplain after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Trump praised Collins in the appointment announcement, saying he would be a ‘great advocate for active-duty service members, veterans and military families to ensure they have the support they need.’

‘We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform,’ Trump said. ‘Thank you, Doug, for your willingness to serve our country in this important role.’

15. Kristi Noem – Homeland Secretary 

Noem, who has served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, has been a staunch Trump ally throughout his campaigns.

The Department of Homeland Security oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

If selected, Noem would work with Tom Homan, who was announced as Trump’s ‘border czar,’ and Stephen Miller, who was announced as the White House deputy of staff for policy.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Since winning the election last week, President-elect Donald Trump has begun evaluating and rolling out his picks for his Cabinet and other top roles. 

Here’s a roundup of whom Trump has picked to fill top jobs in his administration: 

Publicly announced

White House Chief of Staff – Susie Wiles
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations – Elise Stefanik
National Security Adviser – Michael Waltz 
‘Border Czar’ – Tom Homan 
Ambassador to Israel – Mike Huckabee 
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator – Lee Zeldin 
Middle East Envoy – Steven Witkoff
White House Counsel – William McGinley
CIA Director – John Ratcliffe
Department of Government Efficiency – Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy 
Secretary of Defense – Pete Hegseth  
Homeland Security Secretary – Kristi Noem
Deputy Chief of Staff – Dan Scavino
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor – Stephen Miller
Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political and Public Affairs – James Blair
Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Personnel – Taylor Budowich
Director of National Intelligence – Tulsi Gabbard
Secretary of State – Marco Rubio
U.S. Attorney General – Pam Bondi
Secretary of Health and Human Services – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York – Jay Clayton
Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Doug Collins
U.S. Solicitor General – Dean John Sauer
Deputy Attorney General – Todd Blanche
Secretary of the Interior – Doug Burgum
Communications Director – Steven Cheung
Director of Presidential Personnel – Sergio Gor
Press Secretary – Karoline Leavitt
Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary – William Owen Scharf
Secretary of Energy – Chris Wright
Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission – Brendan Carr
Secretary of Transportation – Sean Duffy
Secretary of Commerce – Howard Lutnick
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator – Dr. Mehmet Oz
Secretary of Education – Linda McMahon
Ambassador to NATO – Matthew Whitaker
Treasury Secretary – Scott Bessent
Office of Management and Budget – Russ Vought
Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development – Scott Turner
Labor Secretary –Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Director of CDC – Dave Weldon
FDA commissioner – Marty Makary
Surgeon General – Janette Nesheiwat
Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism – Sebastian Gorka
Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor – Alex Wong
Secretary of Agriculture – Brooke Rollins

White House Chief of Staff – Susie Wiles

Wiles has been widely lauded for heading Trump’s successful campaign this year, having run Trump’s campaign operations in Florida in 2016 and 2020. She maintained close ties with the president-elect throughout the Biden administration and signed on as CEO of Trump’s Save America PAC in 2021. 

‘Susie is tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud,’ Trump said in a statement. 

US Ambassador to the United Nations – Elise Stefanik

Elise Stefanik, the New York Republican representative and current House GOP Conference Chair has been an attack dog for Trump in Congress. 

She is a staunch supporter of Israel, having made headlines for her combative lines of questioning of Ivy League university presidents over their handling of anti-Israel protests, some of which prompted the presidents to resign.

National Security Adviser – Michael Waltz 

On Tuesday, Trump announced the Florida Republican representative and former Army Green Beret would be his national security adviser. He’s decidedly a hawk on China and Iran. 

‘Mike retired as a Colonel, and is a nationally recognized leader in National Security, a bestselling author, and an expert on the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and global terrorism,’ Trump said in a statement. 

‘Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda, and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!’

‘Border Czar’ – Tom Homan 

Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was an architect of Trump’s zero-tolerance policy during his first administration, one that led to backlash from family separations at the border. 

Homan has served under six administrations and presidents in both parties, dating back to the Reagan era, as a rank-and-file Border Patrol agent. He was appointed to the position of executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations for ICE under President Obama.

While serving at a ‘czar’ level rather than in an official Cabinet position, Homan will be in charge of ‘the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security,’ Trump announced on Truth Social. 

‘I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders,’ Trump wrote. ‘Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.’

Ambassador to Israel – Mike Huckabee 

Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, is a staunch supporter of Israel, prompted by his evangelical faith. 

‘Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years. He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him’, a statement attached to Trump’s Truth Social post said. ‘Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!’

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator – Lee Zeldin 

Zeldin, a former House Republican from New York, had a notably strong, but unsuccessful, showing in the race for governor against Kathy Hochul in 2022. 

During that race, he called for New York to lift its ban on fracking.

Prior to running for governor, Zeldin served as a U.S. Congressman for eight years. During that time, Zeldin served on the House Foreign Affairs and House Financial Services committees. He also championed infrastructure and research projects like the preservation of Plum Island and Army Corps of Engineers initiatives.

Middle East Envoy – Steven Witkoff

Witkoff, a real estate investor, landlord, and the founder of the Witkoff Group, was tapped as Trump’s Middle East enjoy. He campaign with Trump during the campaign.

In his announcement, Trump said that Witkoff would be an ‘unrelenting Voice for PEACE’ in the highly-contentious region.

White House Counsel – William McGinley

McGinley, who served in Trump’s first presidential term as White House cabinet secretary, returns to the White House for Trump’s second term. The White House Counsel conducts key behind-the-scene research into potential Supreme Court nominees.

CIA Director – John Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe previously served under Trump during his first term as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). He will head the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). 

In 2020, he was awarded the National Security Medal, the nation’s highest honor for distinguished achievement in the field of intelligence and national security. 

Department of Government Efficiency – Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy 

Billionaire Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy were tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Trump said that the pair will work together to ‘dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.’

‘It will become, potentially, ‘The Manhattan Project’ of our time,’ the announcement on Tuesday evening said. ‘Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of ‘DOGE’ for a very long time.’

Secretary of Defense – Pete Hegseth  

Trump nominated Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense. He would need to be confirmed by the Senate to assume the position. Hegseth has long championed a strong military and veterans causes. 

He served in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army infantry officer, being awarded two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Hegseth was a host on ‘FOX & Friends Weekend’ and FOX Nation until his last day on Tuesday. 

‘Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our ‘Peace through Strength’ policy,’ Trump said. 

Homeland Security Secretary – Kristi Noem

Trump announced on Tuesday that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is his pick for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem would need to be approved by the Senate to assume the position.

DHS oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  

‘She was the first Governor to send National Guard Soldiers to help Texas fight the Biden Border Crisis, and they were sent a total of eight times,’ the Trump transition team said in a statement on Tuesday. ‘She will work closely with ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan to secure the Border, and will guarantee that our American Homeland is secure from our adversaries.’

Deputy Chief of Staff – Dan Scavino

Trump announced that his longtime aide Dan Scavino Jr. will return to the White House as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff. 

‘Scavino was a Trump Campaign Senior Advisor and remains one of President Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides,’ the Trump transition team said. 

Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor – Stephen Miller

Trump announced Stephen Miller would serve as deputy chief of staff for policy in his administration. Miller was a senior adviser in Trump’s first term. He helped craft many of Trump’s hard-line speeches and plans on immigration. 

Since Trump left office, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization of former Trump advisers fashioned as a conservative version of the American Civil Liberties Union, challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as freedom of speech and religion and national security.

Miller has advocated for mass deportations during the second Trump term. 

Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political and Public Affairs – James Blair

Trump announced James Blair would serve in the White House as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs. 

‘Blair was the Trump Campaign and Republican National Committee Political Director, managing hundreds of staff and overseeing a wide portfolio of political operations and programs,’ the Trump transition team said. 

Blair was in charge of the Trump campaign’s get-out-the-vote operations in key battleground states, which Trump swept on Election Day. 

Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Personnel – Taylor Budowich

Trump announced that Taylor Budowich will join him in the White House as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel. 

‘Prior to joining the Trump Campaign, Budowich served in a senior role in President Trump’s Leadership PAC, Save America, and as CEO of the pro-Trump Super PAC, MAGA Inc.,’ the Trump transition team said. 

‘Dan, Stephen, James, and Taylor were ‘best in class’ advisors on my winning campaign, and I know they will honorably serve the American people in the White House,’ Trump said in a statement announcing his senior campaign aides would be promoted to the White House. ‘They will continue to work hard to Make America Great Again in their respective new roles.’

Director of National Intelligence – Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, is Trump’s pick for the position of director of national intelligence. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

The cabinet-level position involves overseeing the intelligence community and advising Trump and the National Security Council on intelligence matters. Gabbard is an Iraq War veteran and a U.S. Army reservist.

‘As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican!’ Trump said in a statement. ‘I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!’

Secretary of State – Marco Rubio

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to serve as his Secretary of State. 

‘It is my Great Honor to announce that Senator Marco Rubio, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The United States Secretary of State. Marco is a Highly Respected Leader, and a very powerful Voice for Freedom,’ Trump said in a statement. ‘He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries.’

Rubio is known as an Iran and China hawk. He is a top GOP member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and ran for president in 2016.

U.S. Attorney General – Pam Bondi

Trump announced Thursday evening that he’s nominating former attorney general of Florida Pam Bondi as the next attorney general of the United States.

Trump’s latest Cabinet pick replaces Matt Gaetz, the former Florida representative and nominee for attorney general, who on Thursday withdrew as Trump’s pick for the top prosecutor after the ‘distraction’ his nomination had caused due to a swirl of allegations about paying underage women for sex. 

‘For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again,’ Trump said. ‘I have known Pam for many years — She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!’

Shortly after the announcement, Gaetz said on X that Bondi is ‘a stellar selection’ by Trump for attorney general.

‘Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house,’ Gaetz wrote. ‘She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.’

Deputy Attorney General – Todd Blanche

Trump named his personal criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche as deputy attorney general. The president-elect said that the 50-year-old lawyer has experience prosecuting gangs – as well as representing Trump in his 2024 criminal trial in New York.

‘I am pleased to announce that Todd Blanche will serve as Deputy Attorney General in my Administration. Todd is an excellent attorney who will be a crucial leader in the Justice Department, fixing what has been a broken System of Justice for far too long,’ Trump announced in a news release.

Secretary of Health and Human Services – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Trump announced he will tap former 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

‘I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health,’ Trump said in his announcement Thursday. 

‘The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country. Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!’ Trump added.

Kennedy dropped out of the presidential race in August and quickly endorsed the Trump-Vance ticket, and has since repeatedly vowed to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’

U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York – Jay Clayton

President-elect Trump announced Thursday that he is nominating Jay Clayton to serve as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

‘I am pleased to announce that Jay Clayton, of New York, the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during my first term, where he did an incredible job, is hereby nominated to be the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York,’ Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. ‘Jay is a highly respected business leader, counsel, and public servant.

‘Jay is going to be a strong Fighter for the Truth as we, Make America Great Again,’ the president-elect added.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Doug Collins

President-elect Trump announced on Thursday his intent to nominate former Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., to serve as secretary of veterans affairs.

‘Doug is a Veteran himself, who currently serves our Nation as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command, and fought for our Country in the Iraq War,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social. ‘We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need.

‘Thank you, Doug, for your willingness to serve our country in this very important role,’ the president-elect added.

U.S. Solicitor General – Dean John Sauer

Trump announced Dean John Sauer as his pick for U.S. solicitor general.

‘John is a deeply accomplished, masterful appellate attorney, who clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia in the United States Supreme Court, served as Solicitor General of Missouri for six years, and has extensive experience practicing before the U.S. Supreme Court and other Appellate Courts,’ Trump said in the announcement.

Sauer served as solicitor general of Missouri from 2017 to 2023, and represented Trump in his successful appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in Trump v. United States.

Secretary of the Interior – Doug Burgum

President-elect Trump announced that North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum will lead the Department of the Interior during a speech at the Americans for Prosperity Gala at Mar-a-Lago.

‘He’s going to be announced [Friday]…I look forward to doing the formal announcement, although this is a pretty big announcement right now, actually,’ Trump said. ‘He’s going to head the Department of Interior, and he’s going to be fantastic.’

Burgum, a multi-millionaire former software company CEO turned two-term governor, launched a White House bid in June 2023. The governor made energy and natural resources a key part of his campaign for the GOP nomination.

After he dropped out of the race, Burgum became a high profile surrogate for the former president, appearing on the campaign trail and in media hits on Trump’s behalf. He was in consideration as Trump’s running mate this past summer before Sen. JD Vance of Ohio was picked as the Republican Party’s vice presidential nominee.

Communications Director – Steven Cheung

Trump announced Friday, Nov. 15, that Steven Cheung would return to the White House as assistant to the president and director of communications. Cheung previously served as communications director for the Trump-Vance campaign and was the White House director of strategic response in Trump’s first term.

Director of Presidential Personnel – Sergio Gor

Trump also confirmed Friday that Sergio Gor will join the White House as director of the presidential personnel office. Gor, an ally and business partner of Donald Trump Jr.’s, was in charge of the pro-Trump political action committee Right For America and previously worked in Republican Sen. Rand Paul’s office. 

‘Steven Cheung and Sergio Gor have been trusted Advisors since my first Presidential Campaign in 2016, and have continued to champion America First principles throughout my First Term, all the way to our HIstoric Victory in 2024,’ Trump said in a statement. ‘I am thrilled to have them join my White House, as we Make America Great Again!’ 

Press Secretary – Karoline Leavitt 

Trump announced campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt will serve as White House press secretary for his upcoming administration. 

‘Karoline Leavitt did a phenomenal job as the National Press Secretary on my Historic Campaign, and I am pleased to announce she will serve as White House Press Secretary,’ Trump said in a statement Friday evening. 

‘Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American People as we, Make America Great Again.’

Leavitt, 27, will be the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history, unseating Nixon administration press secretary Ron Ziegler, who was 29 when he served in the role from 1969-1974.

Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary – William Owen Scharf

William Owen Scharf, one of Trump’s lawyers, will serve as Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary starting in January.

In a statement on Saturday, the President-elect wrote that Scharf ‘is a highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team.’

‘[Scharf] has played a key role in defeating the Election Interference and Lawfare waged against me, including by winning the Historic Immunity Decision in the Supreme Court,’ Trump’s statement read.

Secretary of Energy – Chris Wright

Chris Wright, the CEO and founder of Liberty Energy, has been picked to lead the Department of Energy, according to a statement President-elect Trump released on Saturday.

‘I am thrilled to announce that Chris Wright will be joining my Administration as both United States Secretary of Energy, and Member of the newly formed Council of National Energy,’ Trump’s statement read, adding that Wright ‘has been a leading technologist and entrepreneur in Energy.’

Wright graduated from MIT with a degree in mechanical engineering, according to Liberty Energy’s website. He also completed graduate work in electrical engineering at University of California, Berkeley and MIT.

‘[Wright] is a self-described tech nerd turned entrepreneur and a dedicated humanitarian on a mission to better human lives by expanding access to abundant, affordable, and reliable energy,’ the company’s website reads.

Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission – Brendan Carr

President-elect Trump announced on Sunday that he has picked Brendan Carr to serve as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) starting in January.

‘Commissioner Carr currently serves as the senior Republican on the FCC. Before that, he was the FCC’s General Counsel,’ Trump’s statement read. ‘I first nominated Commissioner Carr to the FCC in 2017, and he has been confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate three times.’

As a current member of the FCC, Carr recently called out ‘Saturday Night Live’ for platforming Kamala Harris without inviting Trump, which violates FCC rules.

‘NBC has structured this in a way that’s plainly designed to evade the FCC’s rules,’ Carr said to Fox News Digital. ‘We’re talking 50 hours before Election Day starts, without any notice to other candidates, as far as I can tell.’

  Secretary of Transportation – Sean Duffy

President-elect Trump announced that he is nominating former Congressman Sean Duffy of Wisconsin, who is also a Fox News contributor and FOX Business co-host, to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

‘Sean has been a tremendous and well-liked public servant, starting his career as a District Attorney for Ashland, Wisconsin, and later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District,’ Trump said in his announcement on Monday. ‘Sean will use his experience and the relationships he has built over many years in Congress to maintain and rebuild our Nation’s Infrastructure, and fulfill our Mission of ushering in The Golden Age of Travel, focusing on Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation. Importantly, he will greatly elevate the Travel Experience for all Americans!’

While in Congress, Duffy helped advocate for fiscal responsibility, economic growth and rural development.

Duffy joined FOX News Media as a contributor in 2020. He currently serves as the co-host of FOX Business’ The Bottom Line alongside Dagen McDowell. He also provides political analysis across all FOX News Media platforms.

 

Secretary of Commerce – Howard Lutnick

Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick has been nominated by President-elect Trump to serve as Secretary of Commerce.

‘I am thrilled to announce that Howard Lutnick, Chairman & CEO of Cantor Fitzgeral, will join my Administration as the United States Secretary of Commerce,’ Trump said in a statement. ‘He will lead our Tariff and Trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.’

‘In his role as Co-Chair of the Trump-Vance Transition Team, Howard has created the most sophisticated process and system to assist us in creating the greatest Administration America has ever seen,’ Trump’s statement added.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator – Dr. Mehmet Oz

President-elect Trump plans to nominate Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator starting in January, he announced on Tuesday.

‘America is facing a Healthcare Crisis, and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again,’ Trump said in a Truth Social post. ‘He is an eminent Physician, Heart Surgeon, Inventor, and World-Class Communicator, who has been at the forefront of healthy living for decades.’

Trump wrote that Dr. Oz is expected to ‘work closely’ with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who the president-elect nominated to run the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Secretary of Education – Linda McMahon

President-elect Trump is appointing Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), to lead the Department of Education.

His announcement, which was posted on Truth Social, came hours after two sources told Fox News that McMahon was likely to be picked. Trump cited the businesswoman’s expertise when he made the announcement.

‘Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World,’ Trump’s statement read. ‘We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort.’

Ambassador to NATO – Matthew Whitaker

Trump is tapping former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to become U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in his new administration.

Trump described Whitaker, who is from Iowa, as ‘a strong warrior and loyal Patriot, who will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended.’

‘Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability – He will put AMERICA FIRST,’ Trump said in a statement. ‘I have full confidence in Matt’s ability to represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to promote PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Freedom, and Prosperity around the World.’

‘Matt is also the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, and is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.A., MBA and J.D., where he played football, and received the Big Ten Medal of Honor,’ Trump added.

Treasury Secretary – Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent, founder of Key Square Group, was chosen for the coveted post of Treasury secretary. Bessent was a key economic policy adviser and fundraiser for the Trump campaign.

‘Scott is widely respected as one of the World’s foremost International Investors and Geopolitical and Economic Strategists. Scott’s story is that of the American Dream,’ Trump said on Friday.

He has been an advocate for economic policies like lower taxes, spending restraint and deregulation that have long made up the core of the Republican Party’s platform, and has also been supportive of Trump’s use of tariffs in trade negotiations.

Office of Management and Budget – Russ Vought

On Friday, Trump tapped Russ Vought to lead the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought served as OMB director during Trump’s first term. He also served as deputy OMB director and acting director.

‘He did an excellent job serving in this role in my First Term – We cut four Regulations for every new Regulation, and it was a Great Success!’ Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

Vought is a contributor to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 and a close Trump ally. 

Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development – Scott Turner

Trump nominated Scott Turner as the secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner, who is chair of the Center for Education Opportunity and is a former professional football player, previously served as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC).

‘Scott is an NFL Veteran, who, during my First Term, served as the First Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC), helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities,’ Trump said in a Friday statement. ‘Those efforts, working together with former HUD Secretary, Ben Carson, were maximized by Scott’s guidance in overseeing 16 Federal Agencies which implemented more than 200 policy actions furthering Economic Development. Under Scott’s leadership, Opportunity Zones received over $50 Billion Dollars in Private Investment!’

Turner, a former Texas state lawmaker, played nine seasons in the NFL as a member of the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos.

Labor Secretary – Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Trump nominated Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., on Friday for secretary of labor. 

‘I am proud to hereby nominate Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, from the Great State of Oregon, as United States Secretary of Labor,’ Trump wrote in an official statement. ‘Lori has worked tirelessly with both Business and Labor to build America’s workforce, and support the hardworking men and women of America. I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs. Together, we will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.’

Chavez-DeRemer was first elected to Congress in 2022, and lost re-election in a close race against Democrat Janelle Bynum earlier this month. Her candidacy was backed by the Teamsters Union.

Director of CDC – Dr. Dave Weldon

President-elect Trump announced that former Rep. Dr. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., is his pick as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

‘In addition to being a Medical Doctor for 40 years, and an Army Veteran, Dave has been a respected conservative leader on fiscal and social issues, and served on the Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, working for Accountability on HHS and CDC Policy and Budgeting,’ Trump said in the Friday evening announcement. 

Trump said that Dr. Weldon would restore trust in the agency and transparency.

FDA commissioner – Dr. Marty Makary

Trump on Friday nominated Dr. Marty Makary, a pancreatic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

Makary is the chief of Islet Transplant Surgery at Johns Hopkins, according to the university’s website, and was a Fox News medical contributor. 

‘FDA has lost the trust of Americans, and has lost sight of its primary goal as a regulator. The Agency needs Dr. Marty Makary, a Highly Respected Johns Hopkins Surgical Oncologist and Health Policy Expert, to course-correct and refocus the Agency,’ Trump said on Truth Social.

‘He will work under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to, among other things, properly evaluate harmful chemicals poisoning our Nation’s food supply and drugs and biologics being given to our Nation’s youth, so that we can finally address the Childhood Chronic Disease Epidemic,’ Trump said.

Surgeon General – Janette Nesheiwat

Trump also nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general, saying that she would be a ‘fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventative medicine and public health.’

‘I am proud to announce that Dr. Janette Nesheiwat will be the Nation’s Doctor as the United States Surgeon General. Dr. Nesheiwat is a double board-certified Medical Doctor with an unwavering commitment to saving and treating thousands of American lives,’ he said.

Nesheiwat is a former Fox News medical contributor.  

Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Counterterrosim – Sebastian Gorka

Trump announced Friday that his former White House adviser, Sebastian Gorka, will serve in his incoming administration. Gorka will serve as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism. 

Gorka, a former Trump aide, previously served as deputy assistant to the president during Trump’s first term. He’s also a former Fox News contributor.

‘Since 2015, Dr. Gorka has been a tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA Movement, serving previously as Strategist to the President in the first Trump Administration,’ Trump said. 

Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor – Alex Wong

Similarly to Gorka, Alex Wong served under Trump during his first term. 

Wong served in the State Department as deputy special representative for North Korea, and the deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs. 

President-elect Trump tapped Brooke Rollins as his agriculture secretary. Rollins, the president and CEO of AFPI, previously served in Trump’s first administration as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council.

Trump lauded Rollins’ ‘commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns.’

‘A proud Graduate of Texas A&M University, Brooke earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture Development, and J.D., with Honors,’ Trump’s official announcement said. ‘From her upbringing in the small and Agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, to her years of leadership involvement with Future Farmers of America and 4H, to her generational Family Farming background, to guiding her four kids in their show cattle careers, Brooke has a practitioner’s experience, along with deep Policy credentials in both Nonprofit and Government leadership at the State and National levels.’

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Amazon on Friday announced it would invest an additional $4 billion in Anthropic, the artificial intelligence startup founded by ex-OpenAI research executives.

The new funding brings the tech giant’s total investment to $8 billion, though Amazon will retain its position as a minority investor, according to Anthropic, the San Francisco-based company behind the Claude chatbot and AI model.

Amazon Web Services will also become Anthropic’s “primary cloud and training partner,” according to a blog post. From now on, Anthropic will use AWS Trainium and Inferentia chips to train and deploy its largest AI models.

Anthropic is the company behind Claude — one of the chatbots that, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, has exploded in popularity. Startups like Anthropic and OpenAI, alongside tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta, are all part of a generative AI arms race to ensure they don’t fall behind in a market predicted to top $1 trillion in revenue within a decade.

Some, like Microsoft and Amazon, are backing generative AI startups with hefty investments as well as working on in-house generative AI.

The partnership announced Friday will also allow AWS customers “early access” to an Anthropic feature: the ability for an AWS customer to do fine-tuning with their own data on Anthropic’s Claude. It’s a unique benefit for AWS customers, according to a company blog post.

In March, Amazon’s $2.75 billion investment in Anthropic was the company’s largest outside investment in its three-decade history. The companies announced an initial $1.25 billion investment in September 2023.

Amazon does not have a seat on Anthropic’s board.

News of Amazon’s additional investment comes one month after Anthropic announced a significant milestone for the company: AI agents that can use a computer to complete complex tasks like a human would.

Anthropic’s new Computer Use capability, part of its two newest AI models, allows its tech to interpret what’s on a computer screen, select buttons, enter text, navigate websites, and execute tasks through any software and real-time internet browsing.

The tool can “use computers in basically the same way that we do,” Jared Kaplan, Anthropic’s chief science officer, told CNBC in an interview last month, adding it can do tasks with “tens or even hundreds of steps.”

Amazon had early access to the tool, Anthropic told CNBC at the time, and early customers and beta testers included Asana, Canva and Notion. The company had been working on the tool since early this year, according to Kaplan.

In September, Anthropic rolled out Claude Enterprise, its biggest new product since its chatbot’s debut, designed for businesses looking to integrate Anthropic’s AI. In June, the company debuted its more powerful AI model, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and in May, it rolled out its “Team” plan for smaller businesses.

Last year, Google committed to invest $2 billion in Anthropic, after previously confirming it had taken a 10% stake in the startup alongside a large cloud contract between the two companies.

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