Donald Trump has entrusted a team of his closest advisers with the task of filling hundreds of key positions, moving away from the traditional practice of relying on Washington insiders—a strategy that caused significant setbacks in 2016, even leading to the dismissal of his transition chief.
This time, Trump has taken a different approach, assembling what one key adviser has called a “MAGA Dream Team” of Cabinet nominees and staffers, all fully committed to his America First agenda and selected well ahead of schedule compared to his first term.
“We appointed the best and most diverse Cabinet ever, and in record time!” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform this week. “We will soon have the most AMERICA FIRST administration in history. The best is yet to come!”
Led by incoming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Sergio Gor, the director of the Trump Presidential Personnel Office, the transition team has already secured several Cabinet picks. These selections consist of Trump loyalists and officials who proved successful in his first administration, all aligned with his mission to disrupt the status quo in Washington.
One notable pick is Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, a steadfast Trump ally intent on dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion policies within the military. Another is Kari Lake, the former Arizona TV anchor turned political candidate, poised to overhaul the Voice of America and eliminate political correctness.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, praised the selections. “It could honestly be called the most MAGA Cabinet ever,” Kirk said. “They are all amazing MAGA picks and show the president is fulfilling his agenda and doing what he was elected to do.”
Kirk also highlighted the effort to avoid internal sabotage by weeding out unsuitable candidates. “It’s just as important to keep bad people out as it is to get good people in,” he added.
Donald Trump Jr. described the difference between the current transition and the 2016 process as striking. “We didn’t know anyone from Adam” in 2016, he said. This time, thanks to Trump’s first term, the team knows exactly who to select. He credited Sergio Gor and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance for their diligence in curating the MAGA-focused team.
“You have the opportunity to have a truly transformational government,” Trump Jr. noted, pointing to appointees such as Elon Musk, slated to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency. “These are people who wouldn’t touch government with a 10-foot pole years ago. They all want to be involved now because they see the opportunity and the possibilities with my father at the helm.”
Republican pollster John McLaughlin emphasized how Trump’s experience has refined the transition process. “President Trump is picking smart, loyal, and effective leaders who share his vision to make America great again,” McLaughlin said. “He was a good president. Now, President Trump will be a great president. He’s picking a team to accomplish that mission.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) linked Trump’s decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris to the surge in support for his vision. “President Trump finally has the support, the backing, and the muscle power that he deserved,” Greene said. “This time is different because President Trump won with such a mandate.”
Doug Hamlin, CEO and executive vice president of the National Rifle Association, expressed optimism about the selection of Pam Bondi as U.S. Attorney General. “Pam Bondi at Justice—I mean, she’s super impressive and has tremendous experience in the state of Florida, which is extremely pro-Second Amendment. We think she’s going to roll some of those policies out across the United States,” he said.
Reagan biographer Craig Shirley predicted Trump’s team would reflect his personality and mission to transform the government. “Donald Trump is an anti-establishment, high-energy change agent, and so is his staff,” Shirley said.
Trump Jr. voiced confidence in the transition effort, calling it a unique opportunity to cement the America First movement’s legacy. “I’m pretty excited with what’s going on right now. This creates the opportunity for the America First movement to have legs even beyond Trump, which is of critical importance to me,” he said.
