Who could be in Trump's next cabinet? Here are top contenders

President-elect Donald Trump may start the process of appointing a cabinet and adminstration officials in the next few weeks. 

Trump on Wednesday defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in his bid to reclaim the presidency. 

Below are the leading candidates for several important positions for upcoming Trump rule.

Jamie Dimon, a potential candidate for treasury secretary

The CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co, Dimon is viewed as a strong contender for the treasury secretary position, although it remains uncertain if he would accept the role.

Scott Bessent, a possible treasury secretary

Bessent, a significant economic adviser to Trump, is largely regarded as a top candidate for treasury secretary. An experienced hedge fund investor who taught at Yale University for several years, Bessent has a positive rapport with the president-elect.

John Paulson, a likely treasury secretary candidate

Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager and significant donor to Trump, is another strong contender for the treasury secretary role.

The seasoned financier has shared with associates that he would be interested in the position.

Larry Kudlow, a potential candidate for treasury secretary

Fox News personality Larry Kudlow, who was the director of the National Economic Council during much of Trump’s first term, has a slim chance of becoming treasury secretary and would likely have the opportunity to pursue another economics-focused role if he desires.

Robert Lighthizer, a potential treasury secretary candidate

A loyal supporter who served as Trump’s US trade representative for the entirety of the former president’s term, Lighthizer is almost certain to get an invitation back.

While Bessent and Paulson likely have better prospects for the treasury secretary position, Lighthizer has a slim chance and might be able to return to his previous role if he wishes.

Richard Grenell, a prospective national security adviser

Grenell is among Trump’s closest advisers on foreign policy. During the former president’s first term, he acted as the director of national intelligence and served as the US ambassador to Germany.

When Trump had a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in September, Grenell was present.

Robert O’Brien, a candidate for secretary of state

O’Brien, who was Trump’s fourth and final national security adviser during his first term, has a strong relationship with Trump, and they frequently discuss national security issues.

He is a likely candidate for the role of secretary of state or other high-level positions related to foreign policy and national security. He has kept close connections with foreign leaders since Trump’s departure from office, having met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel in May.

Bill Hagerty, a potential secretary of state candidate

A US senator from Tennessee who participated in Trump’s 2016 transition effort, Hagerty is viewed as a leading candidate for secretary of state.

He has maintained strong relationships with various factions of the Republican Party and would likely secure confirmation in the Senate with relative ease.

Marco Rubio, a possible candidate for secretary of state

Rubio, a senator from Florida and a Republican presidential contender in 2016, is a leading candidate for the secretary of state position, with policies that closely align with those of Trump. Like Hagerty, he was also considered as a potential running mate for Trump in the 2024 election.

Mike Waltz, a possible candidate for secretary of defense

A former Army Green Beret, Waltz currently serves as a congressman from Florida and has positioned himself as a prominent advocate for a tough stance on China in the House of Representatives.

He has co-sponsored several bills aimed at reducing U.S. dependency on critical minerals sourced from China.

Mike Pompeo, a possible candidate for secretary of defense

Having served as CIA director and secretary of state during Trump’s initial term, Pompeo is viewed as a leading candidate for the secretary of defense role but could also fill various positions related to national security, intelligence, or diplomacy.

Tom Cotton, a possible candidate for secretary of defense

With an educational background from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Cotton is an Army officer-turned-senator from Arkansas who enjoys strong support among Trump donors and is a serious contender for the secretary of defense position.

He was also a lesser-known candidate to be Trump’s running mate during the final decisions in June and July.

Keith Kellogg, a potential candidate for national security roles

Kellogg is a retired lieutenant general who held the position of chief of staff to the National Security Council under Trump, and he is a strong possibility for various national security-related roles, though it's uncertain where exactly he will fit in.

Tom Homan, a possible candidate for Homeland Security secretary

Homan, who acted as the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for approximately 18 months during Trump’s first term, is in the running for secretary of homeland security.

Trump prioritized stringent immigration control in his campaign, vowing to implement mass deportations.

Chad Wolf, a possible candidate for Homeland Security secretary

Having served as Trump’s acting secretary of homeland security for about 14 months in his prior presidency, Wolf may have a chance to return to the Department of Homeland Security.

Wolf consistently enforced Trump’s strict immigration policies and was responsible for deploying federal agents to Portland, Oregon, to manage protests that erupted after the murder of George Floyd by a police officer.

Mark Green, a possible candidate for Homeland Security secretary

Green, a former Army flight surgeon and the current chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, is considered a candidate for the top position at the Department of Homeland Security by some of Trump’s associates in Washington.

John Ratcliffe, a possible candidate for attorney general

Ratcliffe, a former congressman and prosecutor who served as the director of national intelligence during Trump’s last year in office, is viewed as a potential attorney general candidate, though he might also take on a separate national security or intelligence role.

Mike Lee, a possible candidate for attorney general

A senator from Utah, Lee is regarded as another leading candidate for attorney general. Although he initially did not support Trump in the 2016 election, he later became a steadfast ally and has gained recognition as an intellectual figure among certain factions of Trump’s supporters.

Susie Wiles, a possible chief of staff candidate

As one of Trump’s two co-campaign managers, Wiles is considered the frontrunner for the position of White House chief of staff.

While her specific political views are not entirely clear, she is recognized for efficiently managing a successful campaign.

Brooke Rollins, a possible chief of staff candidate

Rollins, the former acting director of Trump’s Domestic Policy Council, is also being considered for the chief of staff role.

Trump shares a close personal relationship with Rollins and frequently praises her in private conversations.