President-elect Donald Trump announced several prominent appointments to his administration on Sunday evening, revealing plans to reshape the Pentagon and introduce a new initiative aimed at streamlining government operations. The announcements signal Trump's intent to prioritize defense strategy and regulatory reform as he prepares to begin his second term in office.
Trump named billionaire investor Stephen Feinberg as his choice for deputy secretary of defense, positioning him as the second-highest-ranking official at the Pentagon. Feinberg, co-CEO of Cerberus Capital Management LP, brings significant experience in defense-related investments and previously served on Trump’s intelligence advisory board during his first presidency.
Joining Feinberg at the Pentagon is Elbridge Colby, tapped for the role of undersecretary of defense for policy. Known for his hardline stance on China, Colby held a senior position at the Department of Defense during Trump’s initial term, where he helped shape U.S. strategy toward Beijing.
In a bid to overhaul federal bureaucracy, Trump introduced the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), a new initiative led by tech mogul Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The department aims to eliminate excessive federal regulations and reduce the number of federal agencies from over 400 to 99.
Katie Miller, a longtime ally of Trump, was announced as a key member of the advisory board for DOGE. Miller, who served as deputy press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security and as a spokesperson for former Vice President Mike Pence, is also part of the transition team for Health and Human Services Secretary-designate Robert Kennedy Jr. Trump praised her loyalty and experience, declaring on Truth Social, “Katie Miller will soon be joining DOGE! She has been a loyal supporter of mine for many years and will bring her professional experience to Government Efficiency.”
Musk and Ramaswamy have yet to finalize the full roster for DOGE but have signaled an aggressive approach to dismantling regulations they view as obstacles to innovation and efficiency.
Mauricio Claver-Carone, who previously served in Trump’s administration, has been nominated as special envoy to Latin America. Claver-Carone, who was dismissed as president of the Inter-American Development Bank in 2022 following an investigation into misconduct allegations, has faced criticism for creating a hostile work environment. Despite the controversy, Trump expressed confidence in Claver-Carone’s ability to address pressing issues such as migration and drug trafficking in the region.
“Mauricio knows the region, and how to put America’s interests FIRST,” Trump stated on social media, emphasizing his dedication to tackling challenges in Latin America.
These appointments underscore Trump’s focus on national security and a leaner federal government. By leveraging a mix of private-sector expertise and loyalists from his previous administration, Trump aims to consolidate his vision for a stronger and more efficient United States.
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