Trump administration takes shape with new roles for allies and loyalists

FRANCE 24
·1-min read

President-elect Donald Trump named more members of his incoming administration picked from his inner circle of loyalists, including an ambassador to the United Nations, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a “border czar” tasked with overseeing mass deportations.

US President-elect Donald Trump announced new members of his incoming administration on Monday, and was expected to pick Florida Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state.

His choices for his new White House team are the subject of intense speculation and scrutiny, with Trump vowing that his second stint in power will result in a radical shake-up of the federal government.

The 78-year-old Republican tycoon announced immigration official Tom Homan as the country's "border czar" on Monday, tasking him with fulfilling his key domestic promise of mass deportations of undocumented migrants.

For foreign policy, the New York Times said he was set to tap Rubio, whom he considered as a potential vice president pick, while fellow Florida congressman Michael Waltz has been lined up for the powerful National Security Advisor role.

Both men have notably hawkish views on China, which they see as a threat and challenge to US economic and military might.

The two appointments will be key architects of Trump's "America First" foreign policy, with the incoming president having promised to end the wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East and avoid any more American military entanglements.

His choice for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head gives a clear hint about his intentions.


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