President Donald Trump is gearing up to convene his initial Cabinet meeting of his second term on Wednesday. The meeting is expected to be a platform for agency heads to reaffirm their commitment to Trump's agenda and ensure alignment across federal agencies.
During Trump's first term, Cabinet meetings took on a different tone, with members publicly praising the president and highlighting administration accomplishments. This meeting is anticipated to focus on ensuring that federal agency heads are working cohesively towards common goals.
Key Figures in Trump's Cabinet
The Disruptors:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, has initiated significant budget cuts within the Pentagon and defended Trump's military decisions.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi: Bondi has overseen a shakeup at the Justice Department, including personnel changes and efforts to combat politicization.
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy: Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, is expected to shift priorities within the agency, including overseeing Medicare and Medicaid.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick: Lutnick is involved in implementing tariffs and potentially overseeing the US Postal Service.
- Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: Gabbard's role in the administration is still evolving, with her confirmation raising questions about her fit within Trump's team.
- Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought: Vought has made significant changes within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and influenced spending decisions.
The Negotiators:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Rubio has been involved in US peace talks and foreign aid efforts.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: Bessent has criticized spending policies and advocated for economic privatization.
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe: Ratcliffe has overseen CIA operations aligning with Trump's priorities, including drone missions and personnel changes.
Overall, Trump's Cabinet is a mix of disruptors, loyalists, negotiators, and communicators, each playing a distinct role in advancing the administration's objectives. The upcoming Cabinet meeting is expected to set the tone for the administration's second term.
