Trump season 2: Pompeo, Friedman eyed for key roles

Following his election victory, President-elect Donald Trump is set to commence the selection of his cabinet team. Final appointments are anticipated within the coming weeks, with several high-profile candidates being considered for multiple roles.

In a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, Trump reflected on his first term, noting that his "biggest mistake" was hiring "bad people, or disloyal people." This misjudgment, he said, led to a high turnover rate and widespread criticism from former officials. Determined to avoid similar pitfalls, Trump has vowed to make loyalty a primary consideration for his new administration’s appointments.

Reports from American media outlets suggest that the State Department leadership may be decided between former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio. For the role of U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, a longtime ally who held the position during Trump’s first term, is reportedly under serious consideration for reappointment. Meanwhile, former Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell is a top contender for National Security Advisor.

For Defense Secretary, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Representative Mike Waltz of Florida, and Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas are all in the running. The Department of Homeland Security may be led by former ICE Director Tom Homan, former Acting Secretary Chad Wolf, or Representative Mark Green. Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and Senator Mike Lee are emerging as frontrunners for Attorney General.