Defense, Homeland Security, and Cabinet Picks

Piece by Govi Chadalavada

Photo: PBS

Donald Trump has made numerous cabinet decisions that have shocked the general public. Whether you consider them positive or negative decisions, it is indisputable that he values loyalty more than past presidential cabinets. Three of Trump’s major cabinet picks include Pete Hegseth for Defense Security, Krisi Noem for Homeland Security Secretary, and Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary. 

Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor recognized for his aggressive style, has been named as Defense Secretary. His confirmation followed a heated Senate vote, where Vice President JD Vance made the deciding vote. Hegseth's term started during major shifts at the Pentagon, notably the firing of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Charles Brown. This action resulted in former defense secretaries requesting congressional hearings to obtain clarifications under oath. 

As Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth is anticipated to adopt an assertive and aggressive stance on military policy. A veteran with firm opinions on military intervention and American exceptionalism, Hegseth will probably focus on boosting defense budgets, upgrading military gear, and enhancing the U.S. military footprint in key areas worldwide. His term may entail a reevaluation of partnerships and defense obligations, along with a drive for more decisive U.S. involvement in international disputes, especially in areas such as the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Hegseth believes that the Pentagon's organizational framework should be overhauled to eliminate what he perceives as bureaucratic inefficiencies in defense. Additionally, he might advocate for measures that strengthen military preparedness and the advancement of veterans in defense positions.

.Kristi Noem

Kristi Noem is the former governor of South Dakota, and she has been given the title of Homeland Security Secretary. She is one who has been a steady ally of Trump all throughout his political career. The agencies related to immigration and border that Noem would manage include the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. In addition to those agencies, the department is tasked with ensuring airline safety, safeguarding prominent dignitaries, and responding to natural disasters.   

Kristi Noem's term as Homeland Security Secretary is anticipated to emphasize border security and immigration enforcement, as that is an issue Trump has put focus on in the past. Recognized for her firm position on these matters while serving as the governor of South Dakota, Noem is expected to enforce tougher measures designed to decrease illegal immigration and increase the deployment of surveillance technology to oversee border activities. Furthermore, she will likely strive to reduce asylum requests and boost the expulsion of unauthorized immigrants. Noem has shown a determination to tackle sanctuary cities and synchronize local law enforcement activities with federal immigration policies. She is very aligned with Trump’s vision of America and is very determined to make that vision a reality. 

Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent is Trump’s pick as Treasury Secretary.  In his role as Secretary, Bessent oversees the U.S. Treasury’s extensive mission to uphold a robust economy, encourage economic development, and generate employment opportunities for every American by facilitating the circumstances that promote prosperity both domestically and internationally, along with managing the U.S. Government’s financial resources. He is likewise tasked with enhancing U.S. national security by addressing economic threats and safeguarding the financial system.

A graduate from Yale, Bessent has spent 40 years in the global investment management sector, traveling to 60 countries and engaging with world leaders and central bankers. He is considered a specialist in currency and fixed income. Mr. Bessent regularly contributes to economic journals and business magazines.

Before, Bessent acted as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Key Square Capital Management, a worldwide hedge fund concentrating on macro investing that he established in 2015. Before that period, Mr. Bessent held the position of Chief Investment Officer at Soros Fund Management. Mr. Bessent served as an adjunct professor at Yale University, where he instructed on economic history. From 1991 until 2000, he served as the managing partner of Soros Fund Management’s London branch.