TRUMP CABINET 2025: POSSIBILITIES AND IMPACT ON VETERANS
Each candidate for the 2024 election is bringing out many concerns about how their term would affect the Veteran community. With Donald Trump being a former President and Kamala Harris currently our nation’s Vice President, there are already some indications from both sides as to what would happen. Below, we’re taking a closer look at many of the people connected to Trump’s cabinet should he win in 2024, their military experience, and how they might have an influence on the Veteran community as a whole.
What Would a Trump Cabinet Look Like After the 2024 Election?
Who makes Trump’s cabinet is still a wonder. Keep in mind that during his first term as President, Trump’s cabinet heads turned over at an astounding rate of 91%, so even if it’s determined who is making the cut, they might not stay. Nevertheless, the cabinet’s job is to provide expert advice on a wide range of topics facing our nation, making these positions influential and important from a political level as well as how they affect us as citizens. Here’s a closer look at some of the potential members of Trump's cabinet, including cabinet heads and secretaries, should the Republican nominee secure victory:
Elon Musk
Recently, Trump’s cabinet has included rumors of adding infamous businessman Elon Musk. The reason Musk is being considered would be to help cut government agencies in an attempt to eliminate waste. What is being dubbed as the “secretary of cost-cutting,” the position would not be an official part of Trump’s cabinet but still presents close ties between Musk and the presidential candidate. Musk is not a Veteran, as he wasn’t a U.S. citizen until 2002. Elon is from South Africa. It’s unclear how his budget cuts would have a concrete effect on Veterans.
Will RFK Be in Trump's Cabinet?
Despite many controversies surrounding RFK Jr., there is a chance for him to be a part of the Trump cabinet, with a focus on reforming the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While the USDA has come under scrutiny for putting corporate interests above public health, it’s RFK’s controversial use of conspiracy theories and misinformation on vaccines that have some wondering how he’s qualified for roles focusing on a healthier America. RFK is also not a Veteran; however, the community may feel an impact if previously rumored roles involving Kennedy and the cabinet position for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) come to fruition. Again, obvious concerns have come from opponents on a potential role leading the HHS, but Trump and Kennedy have been tied together for such a position before in the past.
Tom Cotton
Capt. Tom Cotton has served in the War in Afghanistan and Iraq War, earning multiple awards and medals for his service from 2005 to 2009 in the U.S. Army. After, Cotton also served in the Army Reserves between 2010 and 2013. The Veteran is someone to watch as he could become our nation’s Secretary of State, but he comes with controversy. While he closely aligns with Trump, his past portrayal as a Ranger, when he did not serve in that capacity, has caused some backlash in the Veteran community.
Bill Hagerty
Bill Hagerty is another name under consideration for the Secretary of State for Trump’s cabinet. Though not a Veteran, Hagerty’s experience as Trump’s ambassador to Japan during his first term could make him a standout candidate for the role.
Marco Rubio
Although he’s a strong supporter of the military, Marco Rubio doesn’t have any service experience himself. Rubio and Trump have bumped heads along the way but he’s still a potential candidate for Secretary of State and has supported confronting China and Iran. In the past, Rubio has been part of efforts to help Veterans receive tax credits for starting business franchises through his co-sponsorship of the American Growth, Recovery, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship Act (AGREE Act).
Robert Lighthizer
Robert Lighthizer may not have any military experience but he’s in line to have a potentially notable impact on the lives of Veterans if chosen for Trump’s cabinet. Specifically, Lighthizer is a lead candidate to be the head of the Treasury Department. He has ample experience helping Trump with world commerce in the past. From affecting interest rates, to paying out VA benefits payments, to affecting VA loans, and more, the Treasury Department has a direct, profound role in the lives of Veterans.
John Paulson
Similar to Lighthizer, John Paulson is in a position to be the leader of the Treasury Department, should Trump appoint him to his cabinet. The hedge fund manager is not a Veteran but as mentioned before, whoever ends up with the role will have a big impact on the financial benefits Vets receive.
Doug Burgum
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is under consideration to be among Trump’s cabinet members as the leader of the Energy Department and is not a Veteran. Although the DOE might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Veterans, job creation due to research, generating energy, etc., are all points that will be important to watch, as Burgum could affect job creation.
Eric Schmitt
Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt is a member of the Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee. He has supported legislation to provide service members with better financial literacy—a problem among both active duty and Vets alike. Schmitt has close ties to the Trump administration, and could serve as the U.S. Attorney General depending on the outcome of the election.
Ken Paxton
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is in Trump’s good graces along with those within the Veteran community. A noted supporter of Veterans, Paxton led the charge against the Austin-based company VA Claims Insider, which has caused problems by allegedly misleading thousands of Vets. Providing Veterans with even more legal protections at the federal level could be a massive win for the community as it faces a rise in military scams following the passing of the PACT Act.
How Will the Trump Cabinet Affect Veterans?
How much Trump’s cabinet affects Veterans will not be known until they are selected, but a lot of it may have to do with which degree his administration implements Project 2025. Based on what we know now, this could mean fewer benefits from PACT Act claims, fewer federal jobs, restructuring the VA, and fewer healthcare resources—specifically for Veterans who are transgender or seeking abortions. Trump’s cabinet is still taking shape but if he wins, for those who are appointed their roles, the nearly 18 million Veterans who live in the United States will be watching their benefits, healthcare, job prospects, and much more with every nomination. Suggested reads: