VP dismisses claims: The Trump administration forms its team
Five individuals who were considered as potential running mates for Trump are now being appointed to key positions within his administration, which is rapidly coming together.
TroibNews 
They’re screened, they’re loyal, and they’re ready to go.
Before President-elect Donald Trump selected them for key roles in his upcoming administration, five of his nominees were considered for the vice-presidential position. Now, four months after being passed over for that prestigious role, they are quickly being assigned significant Cabinet positions as Trump assembles his administration.
Elise Stefanik is set to be the U.N. ambassador, Kristi Noem will head Homeland Security, and Marco Rubio is nominated for secretary of State. Tulsi Gabbard has been chosen as the director of national intelligence, while Doug Burgum will take on the role of secretary of the Interior.
JD Vance ultimately received the VP nod, with North Dakota Gov. Burgum perceived as too bland and South Dakota Gov. Noem viewed as overly controversial following her writings about euthanizing her family dog.
However, Trump has identified suitable roles for the others.
Crucially, they have all cleared Trump World’s highest hurdle: loyalty to the principal.
“The reason they were considered to be vice presidential material in the first place is because the president felt not only were they loyal, but they would be effective in getting his agenda passed,” noted former Trump White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
In Stefanik's case, the president-elect chose a mainstream Republican who became a staunch supporter of Trump for this prominent position. As chair of the House Republican conference, she served as an effective surrogate for Trump on television and publicly challenged university leaders on issues of campus antisemitism. Though she did not become the VP pick, she was promptly chosen for the U.N. role.
“There’s been hundreds of news stories written about Elise and her rise from moderate to MAGA,” and the same can be said for Rubio, remarked an individual familiar with the talks, who requested anonymity. “Every reporter in town has exhausted every oppo pitch on those two people.”
By revisiting his potential running mate list, Trump has accelerated his appointments faster than any recent transition, announcing high-profile selections within a week of the election.
President Joe Biden, by contrast, did not reveal any major Cabinet picks until November 23—three weeks after Election Day and 16 days following the race being called in his favor. Barack Obama also took three weeks to make his appointments, while George W. Bush delayed until December due to a protracted legal battle surrounding the call of the 2000 election.
Part of the reason for Trump’s swift second-term approach is his time spent out of office, which Spicer described as the GOP leader being “in the wilderness.” During this period, Trump and his team began contemplating “people, process and policies,” according to Spicer.
Having a clearer idea of who might fill these roles marks a significant departure from eight years ago when his transition faced dysfunction, resulting in later-than-usual announcements. Trump himself admitted in an October podcast with Joe Rogan that his biggest blunder in his first term was hiring people who turned out to be “disloyal.”
Kevin Cabrera, a Miami commissioner and Trump’s Florida state director in 2020, referenced this interview when discussing Trump’s recent selections. Past hires, he noted, included “people who were more concerned with their own personal agenda than his.”
“This time around,” Cabrera asserted, “I think he has done well in picking people who have put forth his agenda and shown he will be the priority.”
Trump has demonstrated a disregard for personal scandals, as indicated by his selection of former Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general, despite the ongoing House Ethics investigation involving allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor and drug use.
Gaetz, who played a leading role in the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, has consistently denied the allegations and criticized the Ethics Committee, calling it a “political payback exercise” in a public letter released in September. The House Ethics Committee has chosen not to publish its report on Gaetz following his abrupt resignation from the House.
Additionally, with his unconventional appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Trump appears to be challenging establishment Republicans.
Candidates considered for vice president have already undergone thorough vetting by Trump’s campaign. “Imagine getting a root canal and a colonoscopy at the same time,” said the individual acquainted with transition discussions. “There’s your vetting.”
Selecting potential vice-presidential candidates for other administration positions can help Trump’s team avoid the backlash that often accompanies newer recruits. For instance, it has been reported that Noem shot her dog, while Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth is receiving renewed scrutiny for his Christian nationalist tattoos. Well-known figures like Stefanik and Rubio are likely to navigate Senate confirmation with greater ease.
Trump’s second transition is overshadowed by the memory of his previous one in 2016, which included the swift dismissal of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as chair of his transition shortly after winning the election. Trump took 10 days to announce his top Cabinet pick—Jeff Sessions as attorney general—who he would ultimately remove from the post two years later.
In this unique phase, Trump is preparing to establish a full government for the second time after already having served as president. His allies insist this transition will be more efficient.
“He didn’t have a moob like Chris Christie running the transition team without actually thinking about who would fill some of the important spots,” stated Joe Borelli, the New York City Council minority leader and co-chair of Trump’s 2016 campaign in New York. “This go-around Team Trump knew they were in the catbird position and had a clear depth chart of folks for consideration.”
An individual familiar with the application process noted that candidates for positions within the Trump administration had to submit not only a resume and cover letter but also a document detailing their support activities for Trump—be it through favorable media appearances, fundraising, or volunteering.
This approach resonates with Ed Cox, chair of the New York Republican Party and a renewed Trump ally.
“Dozens of people got him to where he is,” Cox explained. “They were loyal to him, and he wants to be loyal to them. And put in place what he was elected to do.”
Cox emphasized that loyalty is critical, asserting, “It’s much more a businessman making sure that the right people are in the right place.”
While offering positions to vice-presidential contenders is not a novel practice—Biden appointed Susan Rice as domestic policy adviser, and Trump himself designated Sessions—what is unprecedented is the number of former vice-presidential candidates receiving early appointments. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment.
Having previously hosted a television show focused on making optimal hires for business, Trump also rewarded contestants from “The Apprentice,” including Omarosa Manigault, with job offers.
Although those who vied for the vice-presidential spot may find themselves fortunate despite their losses—Vance faced intense criticism during the campaign—there’s also the reality that Trump can turn against a vice president, as seen when he reportedly showed support for the January 6 rioters chanting “Hang Mike Pence.”
Figures like Stefanik, Noem, and Rubio face the possibility of giving up their secure elected positions for roles that may be less predictable—and some of Trump’s other announcements are already indicating that.
“My takeaway is that if you are shocked or surprised,” Spicer remarked before the Gaetz and Kennedy nominations, “buckle up it’s going to be a heck of a ride.”
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Before President-elect Donald Trump selected them for key roles in his upcoming administration, five of his nominees were considered for the vice-presidential position. Now, four months after being passed over for that prestigious role, they are quickly being assigned significant Cabinet positions as Trump assembles his administration.
Elise Stefanik is set to be the U.N. ambassador, Kristi Noem will head Homeland Security, and Marco Rubio is nominated for secretary of State. Tulsi Gabbard has been chosen as the director of national intelligence, while Doug Burgum will take on the role of secretary of the Interior.
JD Vance ultimately received the VP nod, with North Dakota Gov. Burgum perceived as too bland and South Dakota Gov. Noem viewed as overly controversial following her writings about euthanizing her family dog.
However, Trump has identified suitable roles for the others.
Crucially, they have all cleared Trump World’s highest hurdle: loyalty to the principal.
“The reason they were considered to be vice presidential material in the first place is because the president felt not only were they loyal, but they would be effective in getting his agenda passed,” noted former Trump White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
In Stefanik's case, the president-elect chose a mainstream Republican who became a staunch supporter of Trump for this prominent position. As chair of the House Republican conference, she served as an effective surrogate for Trump on television and publicly challenged university leaders on issues of campus antisemitism. Though she did not become the VP pick, she was promptly chosen for the U.N. role.
“There’s been hundreds of news stories written about Elise and her rise from moderate to MAGA,” and the same can be said for Rubio, remarked an individual familiar with the talks, who requested anonymity. “Every reporter in town has exhausted every oppo pitch on those two people.”
By revisiting his potential running mate list, Trump has accelerated his appointments faster than any recent transition, announcing high-profile selections within a week of the election.
President Joe Biden, by contrast, did not reveal any major Cabinet picks until November 23—three weeks after Election Day and 16 days following the race being called in his favor. Barack Obama also took three weeks to make his appointments, while George W. Bush delayed until December due to a protracted legal battle surrounding the call of the 2000 election.
Part of the reason for Trump’s swift second-term approach is his time spent out of office, which Spicer described as the GOP leader being “in the wilderness.” During this period, Trump and his team began contemplating “people, process and policies,” according to Spicer.
Having a clearer idea of who might fill these roles marks a significant departure from eight years ago when his transition faced dysfunction, resulting in later-than-usual announcements. Trump himself admitted in an October podcast with Joe Rogan that his biggest blunder in his first term was hiring people who turned out to be “disloyal.”
Kevin Cabrera, a Miami commissioner and Trump’s Florida state director in 2020, referenced this interview when discussing Trump’s recent selections. Past hires, he noted, included “people who were more concerned with their own personal agenda than his.”
“This time around,” Cabrera asserted, “I think he has done well in picking people who have put forth his agenda and shown he will be the priority.”
Trump has demonstrated a disregard for personal scandals, as indicated by his selection of former Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general, despite the ongoing House Ethics investigation involving allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor and drug use.
Gaetz, who played a leading role in the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, has consistently denied the allegations and criticized the Ethics Committee, calling it a “political payback exercise” in a public letter released in September. The House Ethics Committee has chosen not to publish its report on Gaetz following his abrupt resignation from the House.
Additionally, with his unconventional appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Trump appears to be challenging establishment Republicans.
Candidates considered for vice president have already undergone thorough vetting by Trump’s campaign. “Imagine getting a root canal and a colonoscopy at the same time,” said the individual acquainted with transition discussions. “There’s your vetting.”
Selecting potential vice-presidential candidates for other administration positions can help Trump’s team avoid the backlash that often accompanies newer recruits. For instance, it has been reported that Noem shot her dog, while Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth is receiving renewed scrutiny for his Christian nationalist tattoos. Well-known figures like Stefanik and Rubio are likely to navigate Senate confirmation with greater ease.
Trump’s second transition is overshadowed by the memory of his previous one in 2016, which included the swift dismissal of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as chair of his transition shortly after winning the election. Trump took 10 days to announce his top Cabinet pick—Jeff Sessions as attorney general—who he would ultimately remove from the post two years later.
In this unique phase, Trump is preparing to establish a full government for the second time after already having served as president. His allies insist this transition will be more efficient.
“He didn’t have a moob like Chris Christie running the transition team without actually thinking about who would fill some of the important spots,” stated Joe Borelli, the New York City Council minority leader and co-chair of Trump’s 2016 campaign in New York. “This go-around Team Trump knew they were in the catbird position and had a clear depth chart of folks for consideration.”
An individual familiar with the application process noted that candidates for positions within the Trump administration had to submit not only a resume and cover letter but also a document detailing their support activities for Trump—be it through favorable media appearances, fundraising, or volunteering.
This approach resonates with Ed Cox, chair of the New York Republican Party and a renewed Trump ally.
“Dozens of people got him to where he is,” Cox explained. “They were loyal to him, and he wants to be loyal to them. And put in place what he was elected to do.”
Cox emphasized that loyalty is critical, asserting, “It’s much more a businessman making sure that the right people are in the right place.”
While offering positions to vice-presidential contenders is not a novel practice—Biden appointed Susan Rice as domestic policy adviser, and Trump himself designated Sessions—what is unprecedented is the number of former vice-presidential candidates receiving early appointments. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment.
Having previously hosted a television show focused on making optimal hires for business, Trump also rewarded contestants from “The Apprentice,” including Omarosa Manigault, with job offers.
Although those who vied for the vice-presidential spot may find themselves fortunate despite their losses—Vance faced intense criticism during the campaign—there’s also the reality that Trump can turn against a vice president, as seen when he reportedly showed support for the January 6 rioters chanting “Hang Mike Pence.”
Figures like Stefanik, Noem, and Rubio face the possibility of giving up their secure elected positions for roles that may be less predictable—and some of Trump’s other announcements are already indicating that.
“My takeaway is that if you are shocked or surprised,” Spicer remarked before the Gaetz and Kennedy nominations, “buckle up it’s going to be a heck of a ride.”
Anna Muller for TROIB News
