US President-elect Donald Trump made several big announcements Tuesday night, unveiling his picks for key positions in his administration. Among them, Trump has chosen businessman John Phelan to head the US Navy, economist Kevin Hassett to head the National Economic Council and speechwriter Vince Haley to head the Domestic Policy Council. The appointments will take effect when Trump takes office on January 20.
John Phelan
Trump has nominated John Phelan to be the next Secretary of the Navy. Phelan, who has no previous military experience, is best known for leading the private investment firm Ruger Management and for his role in managing Michael Dell’s investments. Despite his lack of a military background, Trump expressed confidence in Phelan’s ability to lead the Navy. “It is my great honor to announce John Phelan as our next United States Secretary of the Navy! John will be a tremendous force for our Naval Service Members and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision,” Trump posted on his Truth social account.
Trump’s selection of Phelan follows his earlier appointment of Army National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. A significant donor to Trump’s campaign, Phelan hosted the president-elect at his Aspen home this summer, where they discussed issues such as immigration. Trump’s selection of Phelan followed a series of visits at Mar-a-Lago, and while other military veterans were rumored for the role, it appears Phelan’s leadership qualities stood out.
Kevin Hassett
Kevin Hassett, a veteran economist with a long history of advising Republican leaders, has been tapped to lead the National Economic Council (NEC). Hassett previously served as chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) from 2017 to 2019, a position that puts him at the center of Trump’s economic policy. Trump praised Hassett’s intelligence and experience, saying, “Kevin has a brilliant mind for economics and will continue to push the policies that have strengthened our economy.”
Hassett is currently managing director at the Milken Institute and a distinguished fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. His previous work included John McCain, George W. That includes advising several Republican presidential campaigns, including Bush and Mitt Romney. Hassett’s return to the administration comes with a promise to focus on tackling long-term unemployment and enacting economic policies that benefit the American people.
Vince Haley
Vince Haley, Trump’s chief speechwriter during his first term, has been tapped to lead the Domestic Policy Council (DPC), which plays a central role in developing and implementing the president’s domestic policies. In an announcement on TruthSocial, Trump praised Haley’s intelligence and policy expertise, saying, “Vince will help improve the lives of all Americans and unite our country through success.” As director of the DPC, Haley will oversee the development of policies aimed at curbing inflation, securing the southern border, and fostering economic growth.
Haley, an attorney by training, has a close relationship with Trump senior adviser Stephen Miller, whom Trump tapped to serve as deputy chief of staff for policy. Haley’s longtime relationship with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich also distinguished him as an influential figure in conservative circles. His role in the first-term speechwriting department and his work on key policy issues have earned him recognition as a sharp policy strategist.
A vision for Trump’s second term
With figures like Phelan, Hassett and Haley, Trump’s goal is to make it stronger America First Agenda And steers US naval, economic policy, and domestic issues in directions they believe will benefit the American people. These choices also reflect Trump’s intention to rely on trusted allies with strong policy backgrounds, while focusing his attention on disruptors and non-traditional leaders to challenge the status quo.