With just two weeks left until Election Day, Donald Trump’s transition team is already deep in discussions with prominent Republican figures who are being considered for key roles in his potential second presidential administration. The former president has been actively planning for a smooth transition, should he win, with significant attention given to high-profile appointments, including Senator Marco Rubio, who is a strong contender for the position of Secretary of State, according to a NY Post report.

Rubio, a three-time senator, and former finalist for Trump’s running mate in past campaigns, has built a solid reputation in foreign affairs. His candidacy for Secretary of State is strongly supported by Carlos Trujillo, a former Florida legislator who served as the U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States under Trump’s first term. Trujillo emphasized the personal rapport and mutual trust between Trump and Rubio, adding, “I think he would be the most qualified by far of any candidate they could nominate.” Rubio’s inclusion would signal Trump’s intention to shape a foreign policy team with experienced and loyal Republicans at the helm.

Other high-profile figures also being considered for national security roles include Senator Tom Cotton, former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, and ex-national security adviser Robert O’Brien, all of whom have been trusted allies during Trump’s previous tenure. Senator Bill Hagerty and Representative Mike Waltz are reportedly in the mix for either Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense positions. Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is widely expected to return to the Trump fold, potentially in a high-level diplomatic or advisory capacity.

Within the ranks of Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed that up to 10 GOP lawmakers may be part of Trump’s administration should he win the election. “There’s six to 10 who are probably real contenders to be acting or serving at the cabinet level or [as] deputy secretary,” Johnson said in an interview. However, he also expressed caution about losing key Republican talent in Congress, noting that many of the potential candidates hold safe seats, meaning their departure could result in other Republicans being elected in their place.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, the chair of the House GOP Conference and one of Trump’s earliest supporters, has also been vocal about her willingness to serve in a second Trump administration. With her decade-long experience on the House Armed Services Committee and as a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, Stefanik has been floated as a potential candidate for roles such as CIA director or ambassador to the United Nations. A GOP insider highlighted her strong advocacy for Trump, both publicly and behind the scenes, positioning her as a key player in any future Trump administration.

The possibility of a cabinet role for biotech entrepreneur and 2024 GOP primary participant Vivek Ramaswamy has also been a topic of speculation. Although Ramaswamy has expressed an interest in replacing Senator JD Vance or running for Ohio governor in 2026, he has remained a strong supporter of Trump throughout the campaign. Reports earlier this year suggested that he was being considered for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security, a role that would leverage his background in business and government reform.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, another 2024 primary contender, has also emerged as a potential candidate for Energy Secretary. Having chosen not to seek re-election in North Dakota, Burgum’s future prospects include a significant role in a potential Trump administration, where his experience in both energy and governance could be key.

Despite the advanced talks and strong indications of future appointments, Trump’s campaign has downplayed any official announcements until after Election Day. “Formal discussions of who will serve in a second Trump administration is premature,” Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung said. “President Trump will oversee a smooth transition and choose the best people for his Cabinet to undo all the damage dangerously liberal Kamala Harris has done to our country.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)