Trump’s Potential National Security Team for a Second Term

Trump’s Potential National Security Team for a Second Term

As gears up for a possible return to the White House, President-elect Trump is emphasizing loyalty and familiarity in his national security team, seeking to avoid difficulties he encountered with appointments during his first term.

Why This Matters:** This time, Trump is steering clear of military generals and leaning towards experienced business leaders and CEOs. He is contemplating candidates who have shown unwavering loyalty and who resonate with his perspective on America’s role globally. With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and crises in Gaza and Lebanon, Trump has expressed a desire to tackle these issues, if not fully resolve them, before assuming office.

Key Candidates:

Secretary of State: Richard Grenell, the former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, is widely considered a frontrunner. Having served as a close advisor to Trump on foreign matters, Grenell is expected to focus on negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. His nomination should encounter minimal opposition in a Republican-controlled Senate. Other possible candidates include Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Trump’s former ambassador to Japan, and former National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien. Morgan Ortagus, the ex-State Department spokesperson, may also secure a senior position, while Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is under consideration for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

Defense and Intelligence: For Secretary of Defense, Trump is looking at figures such as Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, and Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.). Waltz is also considered for the role of CIA director, alongside former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has been mentioned for a leading defense or intelligence position but has reportedly declined any cabinet opportunities. Brian Hook, Trump’s former envoy for Iran, is anticipated to play a significant role, potentially leading the State Department’s transition team or assuming a senior role within the department.

The White House: Both Grenell and Waltz are viewed as potential candidates for National Security Adviser, aligning with Trump’s desire for individuals who closely adhere to his policies.

Reality Check: A former senior official from the Trump administration noted that forecasting Trump’s selections can be challenging, evidenced by his surprising appointment of Rex Tillerson in his first term. This time, the priority will be to find officials who endorse Trump’s agenda and circumvent the friction associated with former appointees like Tillerson and James Mattis.

Middle East Strategy: During Trump’s first term, the strategy for the Middle East was led by Jared Kushner, who brokered the Abraham Accords. Although Kushner has publicly ruled out a return, a renewed initiative for a Saudi-Israeli peace agreement might draw him back into the fold. Other significant members of his Middle East team, such as Avi Berkowitz, David Friedman, Jason Greenblatt, and Aryeh Lightstone, may also return for a second term to continue their diplomatic efforts in the region.

This assembly of loyalists and familiar faces suggests that Trump aims to form a team capable of advancing his foreign policy agenda while minimizing internal obstacles, especially concerning critical issues like the Russia-Ukraine situation, relations with China, and peace in the Middle East.