Less than 48 hours after his landslide victory over Kamala Harris, Donald Trump is already getting to work building his White House to carry out what could be a massive mandate.
The president-elect, 78, has been making calls from Mar-a-Lago – where he has been celebrating his dominant victory – and making key decisions that will set the framework for his second administration.
The Republican has been on the phone with more than 70 world leaders since the race was called for him and has already hinted that he would get Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to keep his job.
In fact, he’s been so focused that his usually hectic social media feeds have been inactive since Tuesday. He hasn’t published even once.
The unusual offline nature of Trump’s final days could signal a shift in his attention from the campaign to the White House.
The Republican has been meeting with close confidants and campaign staff to work on filling top administration positions with MAGA loyalists.
Donald Trump is seen in a deep discussion with his friend and UFC founder Dana White and X owner Elon Musk, who contributed significantly to the president-elect’s campaign. Trump has mentioned Musk’s involvement in his administration and has reportedly been having conversations about his transition teams and staff.
One important appointment that Trump had on Thursday was the vacancy for his chief of staff position.
The future president announced that Susie Wiles, who was Trump’s successful campaign manager and led him to victory, will be his boss.
She will be the first female chief of staff in the history of the White House.
“Susie Wiles helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history and was an integral part of my successful 2016 and 2020 campaigns,” Trump wrote in a statement.
‘Susie is tough, smart, innovative and universally admired and respected. “Susie will continue to work tirelessly to make America great again.”
‘It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first female Chief of Staff in American history. “I have no doubt she will make our country proud.”
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was also considered a possible pick, He quashed the rumors in an interview with the Guy Benson Show on Thursday.
‘People always ask if I’m going to be chief of staff, no, I’m not… that’s a no,’ he said.
He added that Trump’s campaign manager, Susie Wiles, would be “great” in the job.
Republican presidential candidate former US President Donald Trump praises his senior campaign advisor Susie Wiles during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center.
Another top job, leading the Defense Department transition, is being headed by a former Trump official, Politico reported.
Robert Wilkie will lead the Republican transition at the Pentagon after serving as secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Robert Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk could also take positions within the Trump administration.
The president-elect has proposed putting Musk at the head of a government efficiency agency to cut spending and reduce government waste.
Kennedy, a notorious health nut, could help at the Food and Drug Administration.
Musk and Kennedy are just a few of the many MAGA ‘loyalists’, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who unabashedly make the case for why they should be in Trump’s cabinet.
Marjorie Taylor Greene made it very clear that she would like an administrative position
Trump at his election night watch party followed by Lara Trump and son Barron
Greene, R-Ga., who has been one of Trump’s most ardent supporters in Congress over the years and was nominated to be one of his vice presidential picks, celebrated her victory at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday.
Days later, he made it very clear that he would like a management position while speaking on a panel on Real America’s Voice.
“It’s important to realize who supported President Trump from the beginning, never backed down, never stabbed him in the back, never tried to beat him.”
‘And there are those of us who have been very loyal. “We understand their policies and support them from start to finish.”
“And I’d like to see people like us who have done that very involved.”
Trump will also reportedly allow Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to remain in his position until 2026.
US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced on Thursday that the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points amid cooling inflation and a weakened labor market, marking the second rate cut in this cycle of flexibility. Trump reportedly wants Powell to serve his full term through 2026, although removing him would be very difficult if the Republican tried.
Powell helped America get through the ups and downs related to the COVID pandemic and was then re-elected by Biden in 2022.
The adviser says the president-elect is in favor of keeping Powell in office for the remainder of his term in 2026, although he could always change his mind.
Other names being considered for Cabinet positions include top ally Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., for Treasury secretary.
And Rep. Elise Stefanik, R.N.Y., could fill the seat formerly held by Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
In addition to mulling over who will lead his government and meeting with world leaders, Trump has also received congratulatory calls from his colleagues.
Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs wrote in X that he spoke with the president-elect and that Trump “was in a very good mood” after Election Day.
Biggs also mentioned how Trump invested in the current congressional elections that will ultimately decide how easily he can implement his political plans in Washington.
The president-elect apparently mused to Biggs about how he thinks Kari Lake can win her race against Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, whom she is currently facing in a close Senate race that has yet to be called.
Kennedy, who ran as an independent, endorsed Trump in August
Robert Kennedy Jr. on election night at Mar-a-Lago
The Trump family poses with Elon Musk and his son after Donald’s election victory
It has been a dizzying two years since the former and future president announced his third bid for re-election in November 2022.
From courthouses, jails and emergency rooms to sold-out stadiums, sports games and a drive-thru in Pennsylvania, Trump’s zigzag across the country spreading his MAGA message has revitalized his popularity, as indicated by the fact that he won more votes than Harris .
Promising economic, immigration and social reforms during the electoral campaign, the president-elect has much to achieve.
Now you have the difficult task of forming a team that can help you get ahead.
