Meet Trump’s new power-packed team: Elon Musk, Ramaswamy, Hegseth, Ratcliffe and more

New Delhi, Nov 13: As Donald Trump gears up for his second term as President of the United States, his latest appointments reveal a Radical Approach to Governance and a bold strategy to overhaul the federal government, bringing corporate leaders, business tycoons, media persons and loyal political personalities.

The creation of the "Department of Government Efficiency" led by Musk and Ramaswamy is perhaps the most symbolic of Trump’s vision. It is Trump’s ambitious experiment aimed at slashing federal bureaucracy and reducing government spending.

Critics warn of potential conflicts of interest and the risks of aligning public policy with corporate interests, especially given Musk’s influential business empire. However, Trump’s choices reflect a willingness to take risks in pursuit of dramatic changes to the status quo.

As the team gears up for a potential new term, the political landscape in Washington is poised for a major shakeup, driven by a mixture of unconventional and conventional leadership in the government.

The three headline-grabbing names are Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Fox News commentator, Pete Hegseth. Musk and Ramaswamy will co-lead a new initiative to streamline bureaucracy, signalling a radical approach to governance.

Trump’s new team consists of:

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy – Heads of the "Department of Government Efficiency"

Trump has brought Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head the newly minted "Department of Government Efficiency," nicknamed "Doge." The duo's mandate likely is to drastically reduce government spending and slash up to 100,000 federal jobs.

The department is designed to operate outside the traditional government framework, leaning more on the development of private-sector growth and to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Musk's focus will be on trimming "excess regulations" that he believes stifle innovation. At a recent rally, he estimated that the new department could potentially save $2 trillion from the federal budget. Yet his new role may spark conflicts of interest, given Tesla’s ongoing regulatory challenges, including an investigation into its self-driving technology by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Despite this, financial analysts predict Musk’s CEO roles at his companies including SpaceX and Tesla will remain unaffected.

Ramaswamy, a vocal critic of corporate “wrkeness” and a former Republican presidential candidate, Ramaswamy brings an outsider’s perspective to the role. His focus will be on deregulation, aligning with his broader vision of reducing government intervention. In a recent post, he declared, "We will not go gently," indicating a confrontational approach to federal restructuring.

Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defence

A former Army veteran and Fox News commentator, Pete Hegseth is Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defence. Known for his strong advocacy of the "America First" agenda, Hegseth has been a consistent supporter of Trump’s policies. He previously led veteran advocacy groups and made an unsuccessful Senate run in Minnesota.

Hegseth’s appointment comes at a time when global conflicts like wars in Ukraine and Gaza are ongoing. He is expected to use his offices for "Peace through Strength" policy, focusing on military readiness, and streamlining defence operations.

Michael Waltz – National Security Advisor

Florida Congressman and decorated Army veteran Michael Waltz has been named National Security Advisor. Waltz, a strong proponent of Trump’s defence policies, has extensive experience in military strategy, having served multiple deployments in Afghanistan.

Waltz will advise Trump on pressing national security issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. His focus on reducing dependency on Chinese supply chains aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to curb China’s influence and bolster U.S. strategic autonomy.

John Ratcliffe – Director of the CIA

John Ratcliffe has been appointed as the head of the CIA. As a former Director of National Intelligence, Ratcliffe is a trusted Trump ally, known for his vocal defence of the president during congressional hearings and investigations. His previous tenure was marked by a focus on countering narratives perceived as biased against Trump.

At the CIA, Ratcliffe will oversee U.S. intelligence efforts, particularly focusing on geopolitical threats from Russia, China, and Iran. His appointment signals a continuation of Trump’s approach to reshape the intelligence community in line with his political priorities.

Steve Witkoff – Special Envoy to the Middle East

Real estate mogul and Trump confidant Steve Witkoff has been named Special Envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff’s long-standing friendship with Trump and his significant campaign contributions underscore his influence within Trump’s inner circle.

Witkoff is expected to leverage his business expertise to broker peace deals and foster economic development in the Middle East. Trump praised him as a "voice for peace," suggesting a focus on diplomatic and economic initiatives to stabilise the region.

William Joseph McGinley – White House Counsel

Trump has chosen William Joseph McGinley as his White House Counsel. McGinley, who previously served as White House Cabinet Secretary, is known for his legal acumen and experience in navigating the complex legal landscape of Washington politics.

As White House Counsel, McGinley will play a role in legal strategy, particularly concerning election integrity and executive orders. His legal insights will be vital as Trump pushes forward with his ambitious agenda.

Mike Huckabee – U.S. Ambassador to Israel

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is set to become the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee’s deep ties to the evangelical community and his outspoken support for Israeli settlements make him a staunch ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Huckabee is expected to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations, particularly in backing Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank. His appointment reflects Trump’s intention to maintain a close and supportive stance toward Israel’s right-wing government.

Elise Stefanik – U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is expected to be appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. A loyal Trump ally, Stefanik played a prominent role during Trump’s first impeachment trial and has been a vocal supporter of his foreign policy stance.

At the UN, Stefanik will be responsible for advancing U.S. interests, navigating complex international issues such as human rights and the global response to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

With this new lineup, Trump signals a bold, unorthodox approach to his potential second term that global leaders and observers are monitoring with much interest. By appointing figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, he is tapping into a philosophy of corporate-style efficiency and aggressive deregulation. At the same time, experienced political operators like Ratcliffe and Huckabee suggest a continuity of his hardline policies, particularly in defence and foreign affairs.