President-elect Donald Trump has begun securing his national security team, unveiling several high-profile nominations. The picks include Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. John Ratcliffe is nominated as CIA Director. Mike Huckabee will serve as Ambassador to Israel. Steven Witkoff is appointed as Special Envoy to the Middle East. These appointments show Donald Trump’s broader vision of reshaping U.S. foreign and defense policies.
PETE HEGSETH: A VETERAN FOR DEFENSE
Donald Trump has chosen Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth is known for his conservative views. His military background and experience in public media position him as a strong advocate for Trump’s defense priorities. His nomination reflects Trump’s commitment to strengthening the U.S. military and maintaining a tough stance on national security issues.
JOHN RATCLIFFE: A FAMILIAR FACE FOR THE CIA
John Ratcliffe, a former Republican congressman from Texas, has been nominated to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Ratcliffe earlier served as the Director of National Intelligence under Donald Trump, where he oversaw all U.S. intelligence agencies during the final months of the Trump administration. His new role as CIA Director requires Senate approval. He’s considered a more traditional pick compared to other candidates. Nonetheless, Ratcliffe has been a polarizing figure. This is especially due to his controversial declassification of Russian intelligence during the 2020 presidential election.
MIKE HUCKABEE: A STRONG VOICE FOR ISRAEL
Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas, has been nominated as the new U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a vocal supporter of Israel, has long advocated for stronger U.S.-Israel relations. His appointment aligns with Trump’s foreign policy. It focuses on bolstering Israel’s interests in the Middle East. This is particularly true in the ongoing conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. David Friedman, Trump’s former ambassador to Israel, expressed enthusiasm for Huckabee’s choice, calling it a positive step for U.S.-Israel relations.
STEVEN WITKOFF: A TRUSTED FRIEND AS SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE MIDDLE EAST
Steven Witkoff is a Florida real estate investor. He is also a long-time friend of Trump. He has been appointed as Special Envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, who chaired Trump’s inaugural committee, has known the president since his days in New York’s real estate market. His nomination highlights the personal relationship between Trump and Witkoff, which could shape his approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy.
A SHIFTING NATIONAL SECURITY LANDSCAPE
With these key appointments, President-elect Trump is cementing his national security and foreign policy teams, signaling his intention to prioritize defense and strengthen U.S. alliances, particularly with Israel. Each nominee provides unique experiences. They also have viewpoints that will guide the next administration’s strategy on global security and foreign relations.