President-elect Donald Trump has made significant appointments for his upcoming administration, naming several prominent figures to pivotal roles. Among his choices, Trump has selected former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, emphasising her outspoken criticism of the Biden administration’s foreign policies and her appeal to conservative voters.

Gabbard, 43, who served in the Hawaii National Guard and is now a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, is expected to replace Avril Haines when Trump assumes office. Although Gabbard has limited experience in intelligence, Trump praised her “fearless spirit” and stated that she would bring a “fierce dedication to constitutional rights and peace through strength.” Gabbard left the Democratic Party in 2022 and, since then, has gained popularity among conservatives, frequently speaking against interventionist foreign policies and critiquing “wokeness.” Trump supporters have rallied behind her as a strong voice against military involvement in conflicts like Syria and Ukraine.

Gabbard’s appointment may face resistance from some Democrats over her prior criticisms of the current administration’s stance on Ukraine, but Trump’s allies are optimistic about her Senate confirmation, with Republicans holding a 52-48 majority. Gabbard has long advocated for non-interventionist policies, meeting with controversial leaders like Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017, which sparked bipartisan criticism. Her appearance on conservative media has further amplified her isolationist views and critiques of what she has called the "political persecution" of Trump.

In addition, Trump announced Pete Hegseth as his choice for Secretary of Defence. Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran and a familiar face on Fox & Friends Weekend, has served in the Army National Guard, with deployments to Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Trump highlighted Hegseth’s military experience and his commitment to veterans’ issues, referencing his role as former head of Concerned Veterans for America, an organisation supported by billionaire Charles G. Koch.

John Ratcliffe, who previously served as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence, is now tapped to lead the CIA. Known for his brief tenure from 2020 to 2021, Ratcliffe gained attention for his declassification of Russian intelligence documents tied to the 2016 election, a move Democrats criticised as politically motivated. Ratcliffe’s experience as Trump’s principal intelligence adviser during the final months of his previous term was a factor in Trump’s decision, signalling continuity in his intelligence approach.

Additional appointments include South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and Steven Witkoff, a real estate investor and GOP donor, as Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, with 27 years in the Army Special Forces, has been named as Trump’s representative for Israel, a position expected to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations.

Lastly, William McGinley, a seasoned GOP legal strategist and former White House cabinet secretary, will serve as White House Counsel. McGinley is remembered for helping secure delegate support during Trump’s 2016 campaign, and his legal acumen is anticipated to be instrumental in shaping the administration’s policy and legal framework.