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Trump transition live updates: Trump announces pick for energy secretary

Chris Wright has expressed strong opposition to climate change action.

ByMeredith Deliso, Alexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Julia Reinstein
Last Updated: November 17, 2024, 6:57 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.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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 14, 2024, 8:06 PM EST

Burgum says there's been 'a lot of discussions' when asked about potential Cabinet role

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum told reporters at Mar-a-Lago that there have been "a lot of discussions" when asked about a potential Cabinet role.

Asked about possibly being "energy czar," Burgum responded, "There's been a lot of rumors about that. But I think the key thing is not the role."

"It's not about any specific role," he later added, saying the incoming Trump administration will be "very focused on trying to solve problems, and the nexus between energy and inflation and the nexus between energy and national security are key."

When asked about conversations about interior secretary, Burgum said, "There's been a lot of discussions about a lot of different things."

"Nothing's true until you read it on Truth Social," he said.

Sources close to Burgum suggest he hoped to get the nod for secretary of state, for which Trump nominated Sen. Marco Rubio.

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow, Soo Rin Kim and Kelsey Walsh

Nov 14, 2024, 6:44 PM EST

Trump expected to speak at AFPI's Mar-a-Lago gala tonight

Trump is expected to speak at America First Policy Institute's annual gala at Mar-a-Lago tonight.

Trump was seen attending AFPI's festivities at his club Wednesday night, after returning from his visit to the White House.

The think tank has been quietly building policy proposals and infrastructure for a second Trump presidency. It houses hundreds of former Trump administration officials and staffers.

Nov 14, 2024, 6:33 PM EST

Trump taps another attorney for DOJ

Trump said he has selected Dean John Sauer as solicitor general, in his fourth announcement of the day.

The Department of Justice position requires Senate confirmation.

As Trump's defense attorney, Sauer argued for presidential immunity in front of the Supreme Court earlier this year, in which the high court granted broad immunity for official acts.

He marks the third attorney who has worked on Trump's criminal cases nominated for a DOJ position.

Nov 14, 2024, 6:25 PM EST

Doug Collins tapped for secretary of veterans affairs

Trump announced he has nominated former Georgia Rep. Doug Collins for secretary of veterans affairs.

Collins is a veteran who currently serves as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, Trump said in a statement.

"We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said.

The position requires Senate confirmation.