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Join NowHow Does the U.S. Cabinet Work? What To Expect From Trump’s Cabinet Picks
Trump has quickly chosen the people he wants to govern beside him with his Cabinet picks.
Some patterns have emerged in those picks. One is that many of his picks have Ivy League backgrounds. Another is that many of them have openly denied the results of the 2020 election.
While Trump’s picks may seem unconventional and scary, why do they matter? Here’s what the Cabinet does and why it matters in your daily life.
What Does the U.S. Cabinet Do?
The Cabinet is made up of 15 leaders of executive departments who advise the president and oversee critical areas of federal policy. These departments impact nearly every aspect of our lives—from health care to education to national security.
Why This Matters: Understanding the Cabinet helps us see how policies are made and how leadership decisions impact our daily lives. Whoever holds these positions shapes the future of our nation. With Trump taking office, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant and informed about who these individuals are and how they intend to use their power.
Department of Health and Human Services
HHS leads efforts on public health, medical research, and social services. Programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and initiatives through the CDC and FDA fall under its leadership.
Why it matters: From combating public health crises to funding lifesaving medical research, decisions here affect our health care access and quality.
Current nominee: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist and conspiracy theorist.
Department of Education
The Department of Education works to promote equal access to education and supports federal student loans, K-12 standards, and higher-education policies.
Why it matters: This department shapes the future of education in America, directly influencing what’s taught in schools and how students fund their college educations.
Current nominee: Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. Trump also plans on eliminating the Department of Education.
Department of Defense
The DOD is responsible for defense strategy, including military operations, national security, and maintaining the armed forces.
Why it matters: From defense budgets to military strategy, the DOD ensures the nation’s safety while impacting global stability.
Current nominee: Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran. Hegseth was flagged as an “insider threat” by the military in 2021 due to a tattoo that says “Deus Vult,” a phrase associated with white nationalism.
Department of the Treasury
The Treasury manages federal finances, collects taxes through the IRS, and oversees economic policy, including currency production.
Why it matters: From economic stability to tax refunds, Treasury decisions affect national and personal finances.
Current nominee: Scott Bessent, a billionaire who has been Trump’s economic advisor the past year.
Department of the Interior
The Interior Department manages public lands, national parks, and Native American affairs while overseeing natural resource conservation.
Why it matters: It safeguards America’s natural heritage and supports Indigenous communities.
Current nominee: Billionaire and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
Department of Agriculture
The USDA supports farmers, ensures food safety, and promotes agricultural trade and rural development.
Why it matters: From food on your table to rural infrastructure, the USDA plays a key role in daily life.
Current nominee: Brooke Rollins, a chief executive of the America First Policy Institute, which is a think tank that helped win a second Trump presidency.
Department of Commerce
The Commerce Department promotes economic growth, trade, and technology innovation while supporting U.S. businesses.
Why it matters: It fosters innovation and ensures that American businesses can compete globally.
Current nominee: Howard Lutnick, a Wall Street executive with business in every sector of the U.S. economy. He could face questions about how that could present conflicts of interest.
Department of Labor
The Labor Department protects workers’ rights, sets workplace safety standards, and oversees employment benefits.
Why it matters: It impacts wages, job safety, and unemployment benefits for all workers.
Current nominee: Former Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who recently lost her reelection bid in Oregon. She has backed the expansion of labor rights and has support from large unions like the Teamsters.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD addresses housing affordability, urban planning, and homelessness.
Why it matters: HUD provides housing assistance and promotes inclusive community development.
Current nominee: Scott Turner, a former football player and Texas state representative.
Department of Transportation
The DOT manages national transportation systems, including highways, railroads, and air travel.
Why it matters: Its policies impact how we travel and move goods across the country.
Current nominee: Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin representative and current Fox News host.
Department of Energy
The DOE oversees energy policies, nuclear security, and research into renewable resources.
Why it matters: It shapes energy sustainability and addresses climate change through innovation.
Current nominee: Chris Wright, CEO of the fracking company Liberty Energy.
Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA provides health care, benefits, and support services to military veterans.
Why it matters: It ensures veterans receive the care and resources they need.
Current nominee: Doug Collins, a former House representative from Georgia who served in Iraq for five months in 2008. He was one of Trump’s most loyal defenders amid impeachment inquiries.
Department of Homeland Security
The DHS protects the nation from security threats, manages border control, and leads disaster response efforts.
Why it matters: Its work ensures public safety and resilience against natural and human-made threats.
Current nominee: Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota, who is a Trump loyalist.
How to Get Involved if You’re Scared About Trump’s Cabinet Picks
MoveOn has a letter writing tool that you can use to tell your senators to block Trump’s Cabinet picks. Our tool makes it easy to let your senators know your stance on issues such as this. Just fill out a few details, and your letter gets sent right away.
You can also join MoveOn’s Volunteer Network call on January 20 at 8 p.m. ET. Here, you’ll join other link-minded activists ready to take on another Trump presidency with resilience, hope, and strength. Learn more about MoveOn’s plan to keep progressive policies and decisions at the forefront of politicians’ and Americans’ minds.