President-elect Donald Trump made a series of nominations on Sunday night, unveiling key appointments for his upcoming administration. In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump introduced various experts who will be working on a range of issues in the White House, from defense to technology to budgeting.
Trump began by nominating Stephen Alexander Vaden as his pick for deputy secretary of the Department of Agriculture. Vaden previously served as the General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture and a Member of the Board of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Trump highlighted Vaden's accomplishments in regulatory reform and his role as an Article III Judge on the Court of International Trade.
Continuing with his nominations, Trump named a group of individuals to work with Pete Hegseth, his nominee for secretary of defense. Among them, Stephen Feinberg was nominated as the next deputy secretary of defense, with a focus on revitalizing the Pentagon. Elbridge 'Bridge' Colby was chosen as the under secretary of defense for policy, emphasizing his advocacy for an America First foreign and defense policy.
Further nominations included Michael Duffey and Emil Michael for under secretary of defense roles, with a focus on driving change and technological advancement in the military. Trump also announced Keith Bass as the nominee for assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, and Joe Kasper as the chief of staff for the secretary of defense.
Scott Kupor was named as the pick for the director of the Office of Personnel Management, with a background in venture capital and a focus on reforming the federal workforce. In the tech-related roles, Trump appointed Michael J.K. Kratsios as the new director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, along with Dr. Lynne Parker as the executive director of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Lastly, Bo Hines and Sriram Krishnan were chosen for roles related to digital assets and artificial intelligence, respectively. Hines will lead the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, while Krishnan will serve as a senior policy advisor for artificial intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
