President-elect Donald Trump has announced his choices for several key cabinet positions, signalling the direction of his administration as he prepares to take office. Among the notable nominations is Republican US Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who has been chosen to lead the Labour Department.

Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon House member who narrowly lost her re-election bid earlier this month, has received strong backing from union members in her district. As Labour Secretary, she would oversee the department’s workforce, budget, and policies that affect wages, workplace safety, union rights, and employer-employee relations. Praising her bipartisan appeal, Trump stated, “Lori’s strong support from both the Business and Labour communities will ensure that the Labour Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our Agenda for unprecedented National Success – Making America Richer, Wealthier, Stronger, and more Prosperous than ever before!”

Another significant nomination is Scott Bessent, a 62-year-old hedge fund manager and founder of Key Square Capital Management, who has been selected to serve as Treasury Secretary. Bessent, who previously worked with George Soros and has taught at Yale University, would be the first openly gay Treasury Secretary if confirmed. Known for his advocacy of deficit reduction, Bessent emphasised the urgency of addressing the national debt, telling Bloomberg in August, “This election cycle is the last chance for the US to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy.”

Trump has also chosen Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Vought, who served as budget director during Trump’s first term, is known for his involvement in crafting the conservative "Project 2025" policy blueprint, though Trump has sought to distance himself from the document in recent months.

In the health sector, Trump nominated Dr. Dave Weldon, a former congressman, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which falls under the Health and Human Services Department led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat has been tapped as Surgeon General, with Trump describing her as a “fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health.” Nesheiwat aims to ensure access to affordable healthcare and empower Americans to take charge of their health.

Dr. Marty Makary has been named Commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while Scott Turner, a former NFL player, has been appointed to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Alex Wong has been selected as Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, and Sebastian Gorka will serve as Senior Director for Counterterrorism.

These appointments highlight a mix of professional experience and ideological alignment, setting the tone for Trump's administration as he prepares to assume office.