Donald Trump’s transition team is now led by entrepreneurs Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, focusing on filling thousands of civil service positions while streamlining operations. Lutnick, a major Trump supporter, faces scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, while McMahon’s AFPI has controversial proposals for the new administration. Key figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. are influencing strategic decisions, and notable appointments include Pete Hegseth for Defense and Kristi Noem for Homeland Security.
Trump’s Transition Team: A New Approach
Donald Trump is poised to make his return to the White House, but the current transition is far from a mere déjà vu. Eight years ago, Chris Christie, then the governor of New Jersey and a Republican presidential candidate, spearheaded the “Transition Team” only to be replaced by Mike Pence shortly after. Today, Christie stands as one of Trump’s outspoken critics, and Pence has also distanced himself from Trump’s election campaign.
This time around, the formation of the government is being led by two affluent entrepreneurs. Investment banker Howard Lutnick is tasked with filling approximately four thousand civil service roles within the administration, while businesswoman Linda McMahon oversees the political agenda.
Key Figures in Trump’s Transition
Lutnick, a long-time ally of Trump, has a notable history as he appeared on the reality show “The Celebrity Apprentice” and significantly contributed to Trump’s campaign by donating 1 million dollars and raising an additional 15 million. With an estimated fortune of 1.5 billion dollars, Lutnick aims to ensure loyalty among those joining the new administration, promising a smoother operation compared to the factional struggles of the past.
However, Lutnick’s candidacy for Secretary of the Treasury has drawn scrutiny due to potential conflicts of interest between his business holdings and the government. The “Transition Team” has already faced legal challenges, missing deadlines for essential agreements with the outgoing Biden administration.
Similarly, Linda McMahon, co-founder of the largest wrestling promotion, World Wrestling Entertainment, brings her wealth of experience and a fortune estimated at 2.8 billion dollars. A staunch supporter of Trump, McMahon previously led the Small Business Administration in his first term and is instrumental in the conservative America First Policy Institute (AFPI), which has devised 300 regulations for Trump’s potential first day back in office.
While Democrats have criticized the conservative Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” for its radical proposals, the AFPI’s agenda also harbors controversial elements, including plans to ease job protections for civil servants, potentially enabling mass dismissals of nonpartisan bureaucrats in favor of loyalists.
Currently, Lutnick and McMahon are deeply involved in strategizing with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, with discussions revolving around candidate qualifications and media presence. The atmosphere resembles that of a startup, with several influential figures, including campaign manager Susie Wiles and billionaire Elon Musk, present.
Elon Musk’s involvement extends beyond casual outings; he is actively shaping the Trump administration’s policy directions, having publicly endorsed Senator Rick Scott for a leadership role and expected to play a significant role in government spending decisions alongside former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
Trump’s eldest son, Donald Jr., has also been instrumental in influencing key decisions, including backing candidates who demonstrate loyalty to Trump. He has leveraged his substantial social media presence to advocate for the “America First” movement and has reportedly blocked the appointments of Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley due to concerns over their loyalty.
In a surprising twist, Trump announced that Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host with no prior government experience, will lead the Department of Defense. Furthermore, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is set to become Secretary of Homeland Security, while John Ratcliffe is anticipated to take the role of CIA Director.