Owen Roberts
Staff Writer
On Nov. 13, Donald Trump announced his first picks for his cabinet. For chief of staff, Mr. Trump picked Reince Priebus, the current head of the RNC. The chief of staff in the Trump administration will assist Trump more than the average president, considering he has little experience with lawmaking. The chief of staff is also in control of the president’s schedule, including who he meets. Priebus will also be in charge of all other White House employees.
Trump’s second pick is Stephen Bannon, former executive of Breitbart News. Mr. Bannon is being picked as chief strategist and senior counselor and adviser to Trump. During the Trump campaign he was named Trump’s campaign executive.
Critics have questioned the reasoning behind Bannon’s appointment. Breitbart, which Bannon used to run, has been called controversial by many, with articles such as “Hoist it high and proud: The Confederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage,” and “The solution to online ‘harassment’ is simple: Women should log off.”
Trump still needs to pick a majority of his cabinet, including secretary of state. The Trump campaign has admitted that Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, may be a top contender. Other possible picks include John Bolton, former UN ambassador, and Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the house. Jeff Sessions, Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal, Kelly Ayotte, and Michael Flynn may also hold prominent positions in a Trump cabinet.
No matter who Trump picks, his presidency will most likely shape American policy for the next few decades. With control of both the House and the Senate and with many Supreme Court seats soon to be open, Trump’s cabinet decisions hold more weight than previously expected.
