Trump Picks Gaetz as Attorney General, Rubio as Secretary of State, Gabbard as DNI

NTD Newsroom

Published: 11/13/2024, 9:09:25 PM EST

Trump Picks Gaetz as Attorney General, Rubio as Secretary of State, Gabbard as DNI — (Left) Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) at the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 16, 2024. (Center) Tulsi Gabbard attends a live taping of Hannity at Fox News Channel Studios in New York on Sept. 13, 2023. (Right) Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in Washington on Feb. 28, 2024. (Chip Somodevilla, Steven Ferdman/Getty Images; Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

President-elect Donald Trump continues to build his new administration for his second White House term.

Trump on Wednesday released more names of individuals who will play major roles in his Cabinet and other key positions.

Here are his latest picks:

Secretary of State: Marco Rubio

Trump nominated Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to serve as U.S. secretary of state.

In his announcement, Trump described the Florida senator as a “highly-respected leader” and a “very powerful voice for freedom.”

He also said that Rubio will be a friend to the nation’s allies and a fearless warrior who won’t ever back down from the country’s adversaries.

The lawmaker is known for his staunch support of Israel and hardline stance on China.

The Center for Effective Lawmaking in 2023 ranked Rubio the most effective Republican on international affairs and environmental issues.

The Cuban-American, Miami-born congressman has held his Senate seat since 2011.

Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

Trump nominated Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress and presidential candidate, to serve as director of national intelligence in his new administration.

Trump highlighted Gabbard’s military experience, having served through three deployments in war zones in the Middle East and Africa. He also cited her switch to the Republican Party.

“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!”

In response, the former Hawaii congresswoman said that she looks forward to serving on Trump’s cabinet to defend the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.

Attorney General: Matt Gaetz

Trump tapped Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to serve as U.S. attorney general.

"Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice," Trump said in his announcement.

Trump highlighted Gaetz's accomplishments on the House Judiciary Committee. Gaetz "will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department," Trump wrote.

Gaetz represents Florida’s 1st Congressional District, a seat he has held since 2017.

In October 2023, Gaetz filed a motion to oust his fellow Republican, Kevin McCarthy, as House speaker, ultimately succeeding in removing him from the leadership role.

White House Senior Staff

Trump announced the names of four appointees to his White House senior staff.

Dan Scavino, Stephen Miller, James Blair, and Taylor Budowich will support the administration across policy, security, communications, and public affairs.

“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 stated. “They will continue to work hard to Make America Great Again in their respective new roles.”

Scavino, who was a senior aide during Trump’s first term, will serve as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff. Trump described him as one of his most trusted aides.

Miller will return to the White House as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for policy and Homeland Security adviser, according to Trump.

Blair will also serve as assistant to the president, as well as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political, and public affairs. Previously, Blair was the political director for the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee.

Budowich will serve as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel, Trump said.

Prior to joining the Trump campaign, Budowich previously worked in a senior role in Trump's leadership PAC, Save America, and as CEO of the pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc.