As Donald Trump’s reelection campaign gains momentum, the Republican National Convention has provided a platform for potential future Cabinet members to shine. Following Trump’s decision to select J.D. Vance as his running mate, other top contenders were left waiting, with Doug Burgum being referred to as “Mr. Secretary” – a hint at a potential Cabinet role.
Burgum took the stage to discuss energy policy, stating that energy dominance would be the “big stick” that Trump would wield. This has led many to speculate that he is a shoo-in for the role of secretary of energy.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio is seen as a potential candidate for Secretary of State, but he faces stiff competition from Mike Pompeo, who is keen to reclaim his old job. Ric Grenell has also been positioning himself for the role, outlining a dovish foreign policy vision in his speech to convention delegates.
Trump has also floated Tom Cotton and Bill Hagerty for top national security roles, with Cotton addressing the convention to emphasize the importance of a secure border and immigration system. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate, has expressed interest in serving in the Trump administration, potentially as secretary of homeland security or in an economic role.
Ben Carson, who served as secretary of housing and urban development in the first Trump administration, is likely to earn a Cabinet position again, having remained loyal to the former president. Trump has also mentioned considering JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon for treasury secretary.
While the first Trump administration was marked by personnel issues and high Cabinet turnover, the second administration is likely to be more unified in its goals. The selection of Vance as vice president signals Trump’s desire to redefine conservative governance and institutionalize Trumpism within the GOP.
