Less than 48 hours after his landslide victory over Kamala Harris, Donald Trump is already getting to work building his White House to carry out a massive mandate.
The 78-year-old president-elect has been taking calls from Mar-a-Lago – where he has been celebrating his dominant victory – and making key decisions that will set the framework for his second administration.
The Republican has been on the phone with more than 70 world leaders since the race was called for him and has already hinted that he would ensure Fed Chairman Jerome Powell keeps his job.
In fact, he’s been so focused that his usually hectic social media feeds have been inactive since Tuesday. He hasn’t posted once.
The uncharacteristically offline nature of Trump’s recent days could indicate that his attention is shifting from the campaign to the White House.
The Republican has been meeting with close confidantes and campaign staff to work on filling top administration positions with MAGA loyalists.
Donald Trump is in deep discussion with his friend and UFC founder Dana White and X owner Elon Musk, who have contributed significantly to the president-elect’s campaign. Trump has brought up Musk’s participation in his administration and has reportedly held discussions about his transition teams and staffing
An important appointment that Trump was busy with on Thursday was the opening for his position as chief of staff.
The future president announced that Susie Wiles, who was Trump’s successful campaign manager and led him to victory, will serve as his chief.
She will be the first female chief of staff in the history of the White House.
“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history and was an integral part of both my successful 2016 and 2020 campaigns,” Trump wrote in a statement.
‘Susie is tough, smart, innovative and universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again.”
“It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt she will make our country proud.”
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, who was also floated as a potential choice, debunked the rumors Thursday in an interview with the Guy Benson Show.
“People always ask if I’m going to be chief of staff, no, I’m not going to be… that’s a no,” he said.
He added that Trump’s campaign manager Susie Wiles would be “great” in the position.
Republican presidential candidate, former US President Donald Trump, praises his campaign senior adviser Susie Wiles during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center
Another key position, leading the transition for the Defense Department, is led by a former Trump official, Politico reported.
Robert Wilkie will lead the Republicans’ transition to the Pentagon after previously serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Robert Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk may also have a role in the Trump administration.
The president-elect has placed Musk at the top of a government efficiency body to cut spending and reduce government waste.
Kennedy, a notorious health nut, could help the Food and Drug Administration.
Musk and Kennedy are just a few of many MAGA “loyalists,” including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who are unapologetically making the case for why they should be in Trump’s Cabinet.
Marjorie Taylor Greene made it crystal clear that she wanted an administrative position
Trump at his election night watch party, followed by Lara Trump and his son Barron
Greene, R-Ga., who has been one of Trump’s most ardent supporters in Congress over the years and was floated as one of his VP picks, celebrated his victory at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday.
Days later, she made it crystal clear that she would like a board position while speaking on a panel on Real America’s Voice.
“It’s important to recognize who has stood with President Trump from the beginning, never backed down, never stabbed him in the back and never tried to defeat him.”
“And there are those among us who have been very loyal. We understand his policy, we support it thoroughly.’
“And I would like to see people like us, who have done that, being very involved.”
Trump will also reportedly allow Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to remain in his position until 2026.
US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced on Thursday that the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 25 basis points due to cooling inflation and a weakening labor market, marking the second rate cut in this easing cycle. Trump reportedly wants Powell to serve his full term until 2026, although it would be very difficult to fire him if the Republican tried to do so.
Powell helped the US through the ups and downs related to the COVID pandemic and was later reappointed by Biden in 2022.
The adviser says the president-elect is in favor of keeping Powell in the position for the remainder of his term in 2026, although he could always change his mind.
Other names floated for Cabinet positions include top ally Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., for Treasury Secretary.
And Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., could take over the position previously held by Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
In addition to considering who will lead his administration and attending meetings with world leaders, Trump has also received congratulations from colleagues.
Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs wrote on X that he had spoken with the president-elect and that Trump was “in good spirits” after Election Day.
Biggs also mentioned how Trump was investing in the ongoing congressional races that will ultimately decide how easily he can implement his policy plans in Washington.
The president-elect apparently mused to Biggs about how he believes Kari Lake can win her race against Democrat Ruben Gallego, who she currently faces in a close Senate election that has yet to be called.
Kennedy, running as an independent candidate, endorsed Trump in August
Robert Kennedy Jr. on election night at Mar-a-Lago
The Trump family poses with Elon Musk and his son after Donald’s election victory
It’s been two years since the former and future president announced his third re-election bid in November 2022.
From courtrooms, prisons and emergency rooms to sold-out arenas, sports games and a drive-thru in Pennsylvania, Trump’s zigzagging journey across the country to spread his MAGA message has revitalized his popularity, as evidenced by the fact that he won more votes than Harris.
Promising economic, immigration and social reforms on the campaign trail, the president-elect has a lot to live up to.
Now he has the daunting task of putting together a team that can help him get the job done.