Which of Trump's cabinet officials might be crypto-friendly?

Author: 0xjs@Golden Finance

When Trump swept Harris to successfully become the latest President of the United States, the focus of attention has shifted to Trump's cabinet list in the post-election era.

To implement Trump's "America First" policy, it is essential to have talents in trade, economy, diplomacy, border management, and other areas that meet Trump's expectations.

This article reviews the expected members of Trump's cabinet, such as Dan Gallagher, who is likely to become the chairman of the U.S. SEC, Scott Bessent as the Secretary of the Treasury, Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, and Congressman Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor, among others.

Here are some candidates that Trump is currently selecting or preparing to select, starting with those related to cryptocurrency, followed by general officials.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Nomination

Trump announced on Tuesday (November 12) the nomination of Fox News host and combat veteran Pete Hegseth as U.S. Secretary of Defense.

In a statement, President Trump said, "Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First. Under Pete's leadership, America's enemies should beware—our military will be great again, and America will never back down… Pete will be a brave and patriotic advocate for our 'peace through strength' policy."

The statement noted that Hegseth graduated from Princeton University and earned a graduate degree from Harvard University. He is an Army veteran who has served in combat operations in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantry Badge for his actions in the field. The statement mentioned that Hegseth "has been a host on Fox News for eight years, using that platform to fight for our troops and veterans." Trump's statement also said that his bestselling book, "The War on Warriors," reveals the "betrayal of our warriors by the left." Hegseth has also led two veterans advocacy organizations.

Hegseth advocates for the decentralized value of Bitcoin and has pledged not to sell Bitcoin.

D.O.G.E. Head Musk, Confirmed

In August 2024, Musk tweeted that he would manage a U.S. government office called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during Trump's second term, aimed at streamlining government spending, simplifying administrative processes, and improving the efficiency of taxpayer funds. Subsequently, Musk has repeatedly stated at Trump campaign rallies that he will cut $2 trillion from U.S. government spending.

As the biggest contributor to Trump's successful 2024 presidential campaign, recent reports indicate that Musk has been deeply involved in Trump's decision-making, such as seamlessly connecting with the Ukrainian president during a call to Trump, and Musk entered the family group photo even earlier than Ivanka.

On November 13, Musk released an image featuring a Shiba Inu and the words DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). He stated: All actions of the Department of Government Efficiency will be published online for maximum transparency. If the public believes we have cut something important or have not cut certain wasteful expenditures, please let us know! We will also list the most ridiculous taxpayer expenditures. It's both a tragedy and entertainment.

U.S. SEC Chairman Dan Gallagher, Expected

Dan Gallagher

Trump has promised to fire the current SEC Chairman Gary Gensler on the first day of his presidency and appoint a new chairman, while also immediately establishing a presidential advisory committee on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency to design transparent regulatory guidance for the entire industry, to be completed within 100 days.

Currently, Robinhood's Chief Legal Officer and former SEC Commissioner Dan Gallagher is a leading candidate for U.S. SEC Chairman. Gallagher's career began as a summer intern at the SEC, and he was promoted to commissioner in 2011 before moving to the private sector and joining Robinhood in 2020. Since then, he has frequently appeared at industry events, sharing his views with Tuongvy Le of Bain Capital Crypto and Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer of Coinbase.

Gallagher has consistently criticized the current SEC's enforcement actions against crypto companies. In a hearing in September, he stated that federal "regulatory uncertainty" is stifling U.S. crypto innovation and advocated for specialized regulation of digital assets. Gallagher has expressed his commitment to reducing ongoing litigation against cryptocurrency companies and has "a rather long list that needs to be rescinded."

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Expected

Scott Bessent

The most likely candidate for Secretary of the Treasury is Scott Bessent. According to the Financial Times, Bessent is a hedge fund manager who previously served as an economic advisor to the former president and is widely regarded as the leading candidate for this position in Trump's new administration. Bessent is the founder of Key Square Capital Management and became one of Trump's chief economic advisors in 2023, with Trump recently describing him as "a top analyst on Wall Street."

Scott Bessent is a strong supporter of cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin. Some of his recent remarks include:

I am excited about the president's acceptance of cryptocurrencies; I think it aligns very well with the Republican Party. Cryptocurrencies represent freedom, and the cryptocurrency economy will continue to exist.

I believe Bitcoin is universal; one of the most exciting things about Bitcoin is that it attracts young people and those who have not previously participated in the market. Cultivating a market culture in the U.S. and making people believe in a system that suits them is at the core of capitalism.

According to two individuals close to the incoming U.S. president, Bessent has met with Trump.

When asked if he would join the Trump administration, he previously told CNBC, "I will do anything at the request of President Trump."

If nominated and confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would hold one of the most powerful positions in the Trump administration.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Nomination

Ratcliffe was a Republican Congressman from Texas and served as the Director of National Intelligence during the last year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's intelligence agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump stated in a release, "I look forward to John becoming the first person ever to serve in both of our nation's top intelligence positions. He will be a fearless warrior fighting for the constitutional rights of all Americans while ensuring the highest level of national security and achieving peace through strength."

Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Nomination

Trump announced the nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel.

Trump stated, "Mike has been an incredible public servant, governor, and faith leader for many years. He loves Israel and the Israeli people, and the Israeli people love him. Mike will work tirelessly to achieve peace in the Middle East!"

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Expected

Marco Rubio

According to a Reuters report on November 11, sources say Trump is expected to appoint U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Rubio was once a competitor of Trump but later became one of his strongest supporters in the Senate. Rubio defended Trump's swift stance on ending Russia's involvement in the Ukraine war, calling for negotiations to prompt Kyiv to relinquish occupied territories.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Invited

Mike Waltz

On November 12, the Associated Press reported that informed sources said Trump has invited Congressman Michael Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and veteran, to serve as his National Security Advisor. Waltz is a Republican representative from Central Florida who has served three terms and is the first "Green Beret" member elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, easily winning re-election last week. He has served as the chairman of the House Military Readiness Subcommittee and is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. As chairman of the House Military Committee's Readiness Subcommittee, he has criticized everything from teaching critical race theory in military institutions to providing the Air Force with overpriced metal liners. Waltz has stated that he believes China poses a greater threat to the U.S. than any other country.

UN Ambassador Elise Stefanik, Confirmed

Elise Stefanik

Trump described Stefanik as "an extremely strong, resilient, and smart America First fighter." Stefanik was one of the House Republicans who voted against certifying Joe Biden's victory over Trump in 2020 and is the first House member to support his third presidential campaign.

Border Commissioner Tom Homan, Confirmed

Tom Homan

On the evening of the 10th, Trump announced that Tom Homan, who served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the previous administration, would be responsible for national border affairs. Trump posted on Truth Social, "I am pleased to announce that former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director and border control expert Tom Homan will join the Trump administration to manage our nation's borders ('Border Czar'), including but not limited to the southern border, northern border, and all maritime and aviation security." "No one is better at overseeing and controlling our borders than him," Homan "will be responsible for returning all illegal immigrants to their home countries."

Homan was a police officer and the former director of ICE, and he described the issue of immigration at the U.S. border as "the biggest national security vulnerability facing America since 9/11, and we must address it." In the summer of 2024, while addressing illegal immigrants at the Republican National Convention, he said, "You better start packing your bags now."

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Confirmed

Susie Wiles with Trump

She led Trump's 2024 campaign. She will become the first woman appointed as Chief of Staff and may help formulate Trump's strategy for the first 100 days in office.

Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steven Witkoff, Nomination

Trump nominated long-time friend and real estate investor Steven Witkoff as Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs.

White House Counsel Bill McGinley, Nomination

Trump announced that Bill McGinley, who served as a cabinet secretary during his first administration, will serve as White House Counsel.