**Key Advisors and Loyalty as a Priority in Trump’s Second Term**
As the results of the U.S. presidential election, expected to be a close race, lean in favor of former President Donald Trump, attention is shifting to the candidates for key positions in the new administration. During Trump’s first term, several of his core advisors turned against him, leading to speculation that a second Trump administration would be filled with individuals loyal to him.
According to major foreign media on the 5th (local time), if Trump takes the White House, loyalty will be the primary criterion for appointments in his second term. During the election, over 100 former diplomatic and security officials from past Republican administrations, such as those of Trump and Bush, declared their support for Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. This sense of betrayal suggests that Trump will form an administration centered around loyalists.
In particular, Richard Grenell, the former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, is expected to be appointed to a prominent position such as National Security Advisor or Secretary of State. Grenell, known for supporting Trump’s skepticism about NATO’s utility, was critical of Germany’s NATO defense contributions and its energy ties with Russia, which caused friction with the German government. However, he was recognized for strongly advocating America’s policy priorities.
During a Republican convention press conference last September, Grenell suggested that NATO allies not contributing adequately to defense costs should be penalized, leading to speculation that a second Trump administration would apply strong pressure on NATO and South Korea over defense cost sharing.
In potential roles for Secretary of State, candidates include Bill Hagerty, a Republican Senator and former Ambassador to Japan, along with Senators Marco Rubio, who is known for his positions on foreign affairs and intelligence committees. Among them, Senator Hagerty, who has maintained a strong stance against Chinese enterprises, is expected to heighten checks on China but might take a conciliatory approach toward North Korea, indicating willingness for dialogue with Kim Jong-un should Trump win the presidency.
For Treasury Secretary candidates, names mentioned include John Paulson, founder of hedge fund Paulson & Co.; Scott Besant, founder of hedge fund Key Square Group; Robert Lighthizer, former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR); and Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. Among them, Paulson is a leading candidate, having stated in a Wall Street Journal interview at the end of October that he plans to significantly reduce federal government spending, emphasizing the removal of green energy subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act, which could impact companies involved in electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Lighthizer, recognized for his involvement in replacing NAFTA with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and managing trade disputes with China, is also mentioned as a candidate for Commerce Secretary. He has proposed imposing universal import tariffs of up to 20% and a 60% tariff on Chinese goods during the campaign. Trump’s recent comments suggesting Lighthizer should play a more important role have brought him into consideration for Treasury Secretary as well.
Hagerty, also a candidate for USTR, is expected to lead initiatives to remove trade barriers, given his past contributions to revising trade agreements with Japan. It is speculated that due to Trump’s strong trust in both Lighthizer and Hagerty, they might be appointed to even higher positions.
Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who, after an independent bid, endorsed Trump and withdrew from the race, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, are anticipated to take roles in the administration. Trump praised Musk at his victory declaration, suggesting that the world’s richest person would play a significant role in the future administration. Trump had previously mentioned appointing Musk as the head of a newly-established “Government Efficiency Commission” to eliminate unnecessary business regulations should he return to the White House. Furthermore, he hinted at appointing Kennedy Jr. to a leadership role in public health.