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Trump Names China Ambassador, Border Commissioner, ICE Chief in New Round of Appointments

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NTD Newsroom
Published: 12/6/2024, 5:29:02 AM EST

President-elect Donald Trump announced more picks for his new administration on Thursday evening.

Trump revealed his plans via Truth Social to expand his Homeland Security team and named four individuals to help “secure our interests in the Western Hemisphere."
He also named a White House "artificial intelligence and crypto czar" and the U.S ambassador to China.

US Ambassador to China: David Perdue

Trump has appointed former U.S. Senator David Perdue as the next U.S. ambassador to China.
“As a Fortune 500 CEO, who had a 40-year International business career, and served in the U.S. Senate, David brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China. He has lived in Singapore and Hong Kong, and worked in Asia and China for much of his career,” Trump said in his announcement.

Perdue, 74, represented Georgia in the Senate from 2015 to 2021. As a senator, he served on the Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.

Trump said Perdue will be instrumental in implementing his strategy to maintain regional peace and a productive working relationship with China’s leaders.

Perdue's envoy appointment comes as Trump has threatened to impose more tariffs on Chinese goods as he pushes Beijing to halt fentanyl trafficking.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner: Rodney Scott

In announcing his pick for CBP commissioner, Trump cited Rodney Scott’s nearly three decades of work with the U.S. Border Patrol. As the 24th Border Patrol chief, Scott implemented the Remain-in-Mexico policy, Title 42, Safe Third Agreements, and “achieved record low levels of illegal immigration,” according to the president-elect.

Scott previously worked as the chief patrol agent in the border city of San Diego.

Notably, Scott served as an anti-terrorism advisor to the CBP commissioner following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He later served as deputy executive director of the CBP, Office of Anti-Terrorism.

“After retiring, Rodney has continued to educate politicians and the public about the importance of meaningful Border Security,” Trump wrote in the Truth Social post.

Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Caleb Vitello

Trump named Caleb Vitello the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and cited his 23 years of service with the agency.

Vitello currently serves as Assistant Director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs.

He also directed the National Fugitive Operations Program, in which he gave policy guidance and oversaw efforts to remove at-large, dangerous illegal immigrants from the country, according to Trump.

He also served on the White House National Security Council, where he led child safety initiatives.

"Caleb’s exceptional leadership, extensive experience, and commitment to ICE’s mission make him an excellent choice to implement my efforts to enhance the safety and security of American communities who have been victimized by illegal alien crime," Trump said.

Deputy Homeland Security Advisor: Tony Salisbury

Trump has chosen Anthony Salisbury as deputy homeland security advisor on the White House Homeland Security Council.

As Special Agent in Charge for ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, Salisbury manages federal law enforcement investigative programs related to human and drug smuggling violations, transnational gangs, and child exploitation.

“Tony will bring his vast Law Enforcement, counter-narcotics, and counter-cartel experience to the White House where he will serve under Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor,” Trump wrote.
Salisbury began his federal law enforcement career as a Deputy United States Marshal before joining the former U.S. Customs Service New York office in 2001.

US Ambassador to Chile: Brandon Judd

Trump has tapped Brandon Judd, ex-president of the National Border Patrol Council, to serve as U.S. ambassador to Chile.

The president-elect credited Judd with helping him “develop and implement the most effective Border Security policies” in the country's history.

Judd has publicly criticized the immigration policies of President Joe Biden, calling Biden's visit to the southern border in Texas earlier this year "too little, too late."

As president of the National Border Patrol Council, Judd represented rank-and-file border patrol agents, according to Trump.

“I have also watched as Brandon tirelessly and honorably represented the Border Patrol Agents who elected him as their voice in all matters, especially in their efforts to secure our Great Country’s Borders, and keep all Americans safe,” Trump wrote.

White House AI and Crypto Czar: David Sacks

On Thursday, Trump announced that tech entrepreneur David Sacks would guide the policy of his new administration in artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.

The president-elect described Sacks as an “extremely successful entrepreneur and investor” for over 25 years.

"He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship. He will work on a legal framework so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S. David will also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology," Trump wrote.

Trump has credited Sacks with building and investing in some of the "most iconic companies" in Silicon Valley, including PayPal.

Sacks also founded Yammer, an enterprise software company acquired by Microsoft for $1.2 billion in 2012.

Sacks also co-hosts the top tech podcast All-In, in which he discusses economic, political, and social issues.