President-elect Donald Trump announced last night (Israel time) a series of key appointments in his upcoming administration, including Secretary of Defense, Special Envoy to the Middle East, US Ambassador to Israel, CIA Director, and heads of the Department of Government Efficiency.
Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host with a distinguished military background in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been appointed as Secretary of Defense. "Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in 'America First,'" Trump wrote. "With Pete at the helm, America's enemies will know that our military will be great once again, and America will never retreat." Hegseth, a combat veteran who served in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, has earned two Bronze Stars. A staunch Trump supporter, Hegseth holds a degree from Princeton and a master's from Harvard.
Steve Witkoff as Special Envoy to the Middle East
Jewish billionaire Steve Witkoff has been appointed as Special Envoy to the Middle East. "Steve is a highly respected leader in business and philanthropy, who has strengthened and enriched every project and community he's been involved with," Trump wrote. Witkoff was one of the few present alongside Trump during the assassination attempt on the golf course in Florida. His mediation skills were proven when he brokered peace between Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after tensions arose between them.
Born to a Jewish family in the Bronx, Witkoff studied law at Hofstra University and first met Trump as a young attorney when Trump was a client at his firm. He later co-founded Stellar Management and began acquiring properties in New York, significantly expanding his business in the 1990s, with the highlight being the acquisition of the iconic Woolworth Building in 1998. He went on to establish the Witkoff Group and expanded into residential construction.
John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA
John Ratcliffe has been selected to lead the CIA. "From exposing the fake Russian collusion as a Clinton campaign tactic to uncovering FBI abuses of civil liberties, Ratcliffe has always been a fighter for truth and transparency with the American people," Trump wrote. Ratcliffe, who served as a Texas Congressman from 2015 to 2020 before becoming Director of National Intelligence, "will be the first person ever to serve in the nation's two highest intelligence roles."
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to Overhaul Government Efficiency
In line with his famous campaign promise, Trump appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head the "Department of Government Efficiency." "This will become the 'Manhattan Project' of our time," Trump said. "Together, these two outstanding Americans will pave the way to dismantle government bureaucracy, reduce excessive regulations and wasteful spending, and rebuild federal agencies."
Musk, a prominent figure in Trump's campaign efforts, including field organization and fundraising, was by Trump's side at key rallies, especially on election night. Ramaswamy, initially a rival in the primaries who later withdrew to support Trump, has consistently attended campaign events and spoken in Trump's favor.
Mike Huckabee as US Ambassador to Israel
Mike Huckabee, a pastor and prominent figure in American politics known for his Republican-evangelical support for Israel, has been appointed as US Ambassador to Israel. A longtime ally of Trump, Huckabee is known for his strong support of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria—a region he has visited dozens of times and where he once expressed interest in purchasing a vacation home in the settlement of Efrat.
Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security
Trump also appointed South Dakota Governor and former Congresswoman Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. "Kristi has been exceptionally strong on border security," Trump stated. "She was the first governor to deploy the National Guard to assist Texas in addressing Biden's border crisis. She will work closely with 'Border Czar' Tom Homan to secure the border and ensure our homeland is protected from our adversaries."
