What Trump 2.0 Cabinet looks like and what it means for India

President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony is slated for January 20, and the Republican leader is naming his key officials thick and fast. A picture of what a Trump 2.0 would look like is emerging. With emphasis on focus areas, Trump is showing the intent to implement his policies. What should come as a cheer for India is that two of the top officials are pro-India and hawkish on China.

Trump’s choices reflect a continued focus on defence, immigration, and economic efficiency, signalling promising developments for US-India relations.

The most important are Mark Waltz, who has been picked as the National Security Advisor (NSA), and Marco Rubio, who is all set to be named the Secretary of State.

With the “pair of establishment Republicans from Florida” as Secretary of State and the NSA, Trump is building a national security team that “looks more hawkish than the isolationist America First brand of foreign policy that he has championed in public”, according to The Guardian.

KEY PICKS AND CHOICES FOR TRUMP’S 2.0 CABINET

Secretary of State: Marco Rubio

Florida Senator Marco Rubio is expected to be named as Secretary of State, which would make him the first Latino to serve as America’s top diplomat.

Like Waltz, Rubio is known for his hawkish approach to China and his support for India.

In 2023, he introduced the US-India Defence Co-operation Act, which aims to deepen bilateral security ties in response to China’s aggressive actions in the region.

Rubio’s diplomatic experience and strong support for India will likely ensure that US-India relations continue to flourish under Trump’s second term.

Secretary of Defence: Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth, a Fox News anchor and Army National Guard veteran, has been chosen as Secretary of Defence.

Hegseth is known for his tough stance on military readiness and his belief in an “America First” approach to defence.

His experience and leadership are expected to strengthen the US military and align with Trump’s broader defence priorities.

National Security Advisor: Mike Waltz – Leader of the India Caucus

Mike Waltz, a vocal China hawk and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional India Caucus, has been named by Trump to serve as the NSA.

Waltz has long advocated for deeper defence and security co-operation between the US and India, and his appointment suggests a continued strong focus on strengthening these ties, especially in defence.

Waltz has consistently emphasised the importance of India in countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Waltz has also been critical of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which aligns with India’s own geopolitical concerns.

His selection could potentially lead to stronger US-India co-operation in both the security and economic spheres, especially as both nations face challenges from China.

White House Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles

Trump’s first key appointment was Susie Wiles, his campaign manager and architect of his political comeback, as White House Chief of Staff. Wiles will make history as the first woman to hold the position.

This appointment underscores Trump’s preference for loyalty and experienced leadership within his administration.

Border Czar: Tom Homan

Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan has been named as the “Border Czar” in Trump’s second term, overseeing all aspects of US border security, including the Southern, Northern, Maritime, and Aviation borders.

Known for his hardline stance on immigration, Homan’s appointment signals Trump’s continued focus on securing US borders and implementing stricter immigration policies.

Department of Homeland Security: Kristi Noem

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a puppy killer, has been selected to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Known for her conservative values, Noem’s appointment signals Trump’s ongoing commitment to securing the US’s borders and enforcing stricter immigration policies.

CIA Director: John Ratcliffe

Former Director of National Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, has been named CIA Director. Ratcliffe is a staunch critic of China, and his appointment will likely continue the Trump administration’s hardline stance against Chinese influence. This will align with India’s concerns regarding China’s growing power in the Indo-Pacific region.

White House Counsel: William Joseph McGinley

Trump has appointed William McGinley as White House Counsel. McGinley’s extensive experience as a top GOP lawyer and his previous role as Trump’s cabinet secretary will ensure the White House remains well-guided on policy, ethics, and legal matters.

Department of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy

In an unconventional move, Trump announced the creation of a new agency, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), co-headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American biotech entrepreneur.

This new department aims to streamline government operations, potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles for both US and Indian businesses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA

Trump’s second-term cabinet appointments hold significant implications for US-India relations:

Enhanced defence and security co-operation

Mike Waltz’s appointment as National Security Advisor is particularly promising for India.

Waltz’s longstanding advocacy for closer US-India defence ties could lead to expanded military co-operation, joint exercises, and enhanced sharing of defence technologies.

His leadership could help further align US and Indian strategic interests, particularly in countering China’s growing aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

Both Waltz and Rubio have been outspoken critics of China’s rising influence, which aligns with India’s own concerns.

Their focus on countering China’s aggression could pave the way for deeper US-India collaboration in addressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Stronger diplomatic engagement

Marco Rubio’s selection as Secretary of State is another positive development for India.

Rubio has been a vocal supporter of US-India relations, and his commitment to expanding bilateral defence and security co-operation is likely to continue.

Rubio’s foreign policy views generally align with a robust engagement with key allies, including India, which could result in increased US support for India on issues such as counterterrorism and regional security.

Economic co-operation and efficiency

The creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to reduce bureaucracy and streamline government operations.

While this initiative is not directly tied to foreign policy, it could have indirect benefits for US-India economic cooperation by making it easier for Indian businesses to operate in the US and vice versa.

As Trump’s second term begins, US-India relations are set to remain a priority, with a focus on countering China’s influence and expanding bilateral partnerships in key areas like defence, trade, and technology.

The U.S. Congress is set to confirm the electoral results on January 6, 2025, with the presidential inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2025. As the new administration takes shape, India can expect a strengthened partnership with the United States.