Trump Makes First Cabinet Pick, Eyes Putin Talks
AFP/APP
Washington: President-elect Donald Trump has made his first official cabinet appointment, selecting Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as his White House Chief of Staff.
Wiles, 67, is the first woman to hold this high-profile role in a Republican administration, marking a key early move in Trump’s transition team following his decisive victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
Wiles is widely respected within Trump’s circle, having played a central role in his successful 2024 campaign. Trump praised her as “tough, smart, innovative,” and emphasized her importance in continuing his “Make America Great Again” agenda.
A Shift in Foreign Policy
Trump’s election victory has already sent ripples through U.S. and international politics. The president-elect signaled a major departure from the policies of outgoing President Joe Biden, especially regarding foreign relations.
In a statement that has raised eyebrows globally, Trump expressed his intent to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin, who has long been a target of Western criticism, congratulated Trump on his win and described him as “courageous,” particularly in light of a July assassination attempt on the former president during a campaign rally.
Although Trump told NBC News that he had not yet spoken to Putin post-election, he indicated that discussions were forthcoming. This shift is in stark contrast to the frosty relationship between Putin and Biden, which has been marked by tensions over Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Trump has previously voiced his skepticism about U.S. support for Ukraine and has pledged to broker a peace deal in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, has warned that calls for a ceasefire could be “dangerous.”
On Immigration and Domestic Policies
Trump has also doubled down on his plans for immigration reform, particularly focusing on mass deportations of undocumented migrants. Speaking with NBC, he made it clear that “there can be no price tag too high” in addressing the issue, reaffirming his commitment to a hardline stance on border security. His tough rhetoric on immigration was a cornerstone of his 2016 campaign and remains central to his 2024 platform.
As Trump transitions to office, he has been working from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. While Biden has pledged a peaceful and “orderly” transfer of power, the mood within the Democratic Party is one of unease and introspection.
Despite a strong election performance, Biden, at 81, faces internal party divisions, with some questioning his decision to run for a second term before ultimately stepping aside for Harris. Biden’s spokesperson has confirmed that the transition process is in motion, though key legal documents have yet to be signed by Trump’s team, delaying the official start.
The Trump 2.0 Cabinet
As Trump prepares to assemble his administration, speculation about future appointments is already swirling. Among the names reportedly in contention for major roles are Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken critic of vaccine mandates, who Trump has said will play a significant role in shaping U.S. healthcare policy.
Kennedy, however, clarified that he does not plan to remove vaccines but has proposed eliminating fluoride from public water supplies, a controversial position.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), is also being considered for a role in auditing government waste. Musk’s vocal support for Trump and his outspoken libertarian views on government spending make him a natural fit for such a position.
Trump’s cabinet picks and policy positions signal a return to his “America First” agenda, with a sharp focus on dismantling many of the Biden administration’s policies.
Trump, a known climate change skeptic, has pledged to roll back Biden’s green energy initiatives, including his signature climate legislation. Trump’s emphasis on oil production and energy independence is expected to be a hallmark of his second term, likely sparking renewed debates over environmental regulation and sustainability.
Economic and Electoral Mandate
Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris—who conceded on Wednesday—was attributed to his strong appeal to working-class voters, particularly those concerned with issues like immigration, inflation, and economic security.
His win marks a political rebuke to Biden’s presidency, with many voters citing concerns over the economy as a central issue in their decision. Trump’s election, despite ongoing legal challenges, including a criminal conviction for fraud and multiple impeachments, reflects a deep desire among many Americans for change and a shift away from the status quo.
With control of key battleground states, including Nevada, Trump is poised to lead the country once again, vowing to tackle the challenges of a post-Biden America head-on. However, his policies, particularly on immigration and foreign relations, are expected to be fiercely debated in the coming months.
As Trump transitions to the White House for a second term, the world—and the U.S.—is bracing for the return of a president whose policies, personality, and leadership style continue to defy convention and reshape global geopolitics.
