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Trump transition live updates: Noem picked for DHS secretary

Noem was on the short-list to be Trump's running mate.

Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 7:58 PM EST

After a sweeping victory over Vice President Kamala Harris on Nov. 5, President-elect Donald Trump is now set to become just the second ever to serve nonconsecutive terms in office.

Trump has wasted no time in moving to assemble his team for a second term in the White House -- naming Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security adviser and Tom Homan as his "border czar," among other positions.

Inauguration Day is Jan. 20.

Nov 12, 3:45 pm

Tracking those Trump has named to serve in his Cabinet, administration

Ahead of his return to power in January, Trump is announcing who he wants to fill Cabinet positions and other key roles inside his administration.

They include some of his staunchest allies on Capitol Hill and key advisers to his 2024 campaign.

Here is a running list of the people Trump has selected, or is expected to select, to serve in his administration.

Nov 12, 2024, 1:59 PM EST

Trump nominates Mike Huckabee to be Israeli ambassador

Trump announced he has nominated former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

"Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years," Trump said in a statement. "He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!"

The role, which will need to be confirmed by the Senate, will be a key appointment as tensions remain high in the Middle East.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee moderates a roundtable discussion with Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct. 29, 2024, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Nov 12, 2024, 1:31 PM EST

Trump officially announces Waltz as national security adviser pick

Trump has officially announced his appointment of Florida Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security adviser.

The president-elect highlighted Waltz's military background in a statement on the appointment, noting that he is the first Green Beret to have been elected to Congress and served in the Army Special Forces for 27 years.

"Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda, and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!" Trump said in a statement.

The national security adviser is appointed by the president without confirmation by the Senate.

Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., speaks outside the hush money criminal case of former president Donald Trump in New York, May 16, 2024.
Ted Shaffrey/AP, FILE

-ABC News' Soo Rin Kim, Kelsey Walsh and Lalee Ibssa

Nov 12, 2024, 11:49 AM EST

Will Trump's administration picks impact House control?

While control of the House has not yet been projected by ABC News, Republicans are inching toward maintaining their slim majority.

But already, Trump has picked several lawmakers to serve in his administration: Rep. Elise Stefanik for United Nations ambassador and Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser.

Speaker Mike Johnson, asked about the issue on Tuesday, said he's spoken to Trump about it several times.

"We have a really talented Republican Congress ... Many of them can serve in important positions in the new administration. But President Trump fully understands, appreciates the math here and it's just a numbers game," Johnson said. "You know, we believe we're going to have a larger majority than we had last time."

The speaker added: "I don't expect that we will have more members leaving, but I’ll leave that up to him."

Nov 12, 2024, 11:39 AM EST

Billionaire John Paulson says he's not a candidate for Treasury role

Billionaire John Paulson said Tuesday he does not plan to formally join the administration as the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, though he said he intends to remain actively involved with Trump's economic team.

"Although various media outlets have mentioned me as a candidate for Secretary of the Treasury, my complex financial obligations would prevent me from holding an official position in President Trump’s administration at this time," Paulson said in a statement.

"However, I intend to remain actively involved with the President’s economic team and helping in the implementation of President Trump’s outstanding policy proposals," he added.

-ABC News' Beatrice Peterson

Investor John Paulson gives thumbs up after asking a question as Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Trump addresses the Economic Club of New York, in New York City, Sept. 5, 2024.
Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters