President Trump’s Dream Team – Who They Are and Why They Were Chosen, Part 2

PART TWO

At the time of this writing (Friday, January 17), Moms for America is hosting a sold-out Patriot Stars Gala in the heart of our nation’s capital. We think it’s the best way to kick off what promises to be a spectacular weekend as we welcome back a renaissance of the American spirit.

After that, on Saturday evening, there’s a Cabinet Reception and Vice President’s Dinner, along with The President’s Reception and Fireworks, which will take place at The Trump National Golf Club Washington D.C., in Sterling, Virginia.

Sunday, President Trump will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a Great Again Victory Rally and a candlelight dinner.

On January 20 there are festivities all day, and we are ready for it. We know you are, too, mamas.

A morning service at St. John’s church begins the President’s day, followed by a Tea at the White House. The swearing in ceremony is at noon. Then, we’ll hear our President’s much-anticipated, historic inaugural address.

Plans for that portion of the day have changed dramatically, however, with the swearing in ceremony now moved indoors due to the frigid weather expected. Originally, roughly a quarter of a million Americans had tickets to gather in the traditional manner in front of the Capitol, so most of that number will be unable to view the ceremony in person. President Trump explained his decision on Truth Social, “There is an arctic blast sweeping the country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured in any way…Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather.”

I didn’t realize how many other events happen after the speech on January 20. Did you know about these?

• Farewell to the Former President and Vice President
• US Capitol Departure Ceremony
• The President’s Signing Room Ceremony
• Congressional Luncheon
• The President’s Review of the Troops
• Presidential Parade normally on Pennsylvania Avenue, it’s now taking place at the Capitol One Arena (look for the Trump garbage truck)
• Oval Office Signing Ceremony at The White House.

Following that, the Official Balls begin. There are three, the Commander in Chief Ball, with a focus on those who serve our military; the Liberty Inaugural Ball for the ardent Trump supporters (look for The Village People at this one!); and the Starlight Ball, where some of the largest donors to the Trump campaign will enjoy an evening of celebration.

Throughout the weekend, there are more events and balls hosted by other organizations like ours – way, way too many to list here!

It’s a long, full, four days of activity and celebration. Though I won’t be among the Moms for America crew in attendance, my feet hurt a little at the thought of that much partying – while my American heart soars, thinking of what comes next.

Senate Confirmation Hearings Underway

 It’s something of a three-ring-circus, aka, the confirmation hearings. As Democrat senators lob when-did-you-stop-beating-your-wife-style questions – sometimes nearly shouting down nominees to avoid allowing them to answer, it’s been quite the spectacle.

Soon-to-be-confirmed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth served them their first cup of shut-up juice, opening the tap for others among the interrogated to provide refills for all. What a picture it paints of the ones asking the questions – yikes! As we mentioned last week, the incoming Trump administration boasts a deep bench of brilliant and accomplished nominees, so we wanted to introduce you to a few more (16, to be exact):

1. Brooke Rollins – Secretary of Agriculture

The Role: Oversees America’s agriculture industry and programs, including related concerns internationally, farm and rural development, human nutrition, and aquaculture.

A native Texan, Brooke Rollins has played key roles in her home state and the previous Trump administration. Currently serving as President and CEO of America First Policy Institute (AFPI) and America First Works (AFW), she formerly served President Trump as Director of the Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in the White House.

The President-elect said of her, “Brooke’s commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns is second to none.”

2. Scott Turner – Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development

The Role: To advise the President on community development and housing concerns.

Well-known to NFL fans for his nine years playing for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and the Denver Broncos, he also served as a Senior Advisor to the NFL Executive VP of Football Operations. Eventually turning to public service, Turner was in the Texas House of Representatives and served in President Trump’s first administration as Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

“Those efforts, working together with former HUD Secretary Ben Carson, were maximized by Scott’s guidance in overseeing 16 Federal Agencies which implemented more than 200 policy actions furthering Economic Development. Under Scott’s leadership, Opportunity Zones received over $50 Billion Dollars in Private Investment!” said President Trump.

3. Howard Lutnick – Secretary of Commerce

The Role: Manages a range of US business policies and advises the President on strategies to increase economic development and growth.

Lutnick took the helm as President and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald before he turned 30. After the firm lost well over half of its New York-based staff on 9/11, including his own brother, who died that day, Lutnick dedicated himself to supporting the families and honor those 658 friends and colleagues who lost their lives.

He serves as Co-Chair of the Trump-Vance Transition Team. He is enthusiastic about his next role, sharing on X, “As the next Secretary of Commerce, I will join the best administration the US has ever seen and unleash our full economic potential.”

4. Lori Chavez-DeRemer – Labor Secretary

The Role: Oversees US government involvement with policies affecting the workplace, unions, and other worker/employer-related issues and laws.

A US House of Representatives member from Oregon, Chavez-DeRemer served on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. She is a business owner and was the mayor of Happy Valley, just outside Portland.

The President shared his enthusiasm for Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination, “I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs. Together, we will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.”

5. Doug Collins – Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs

The Role: Oversees the Department of Veterans Affairs and policies regarding healthcare, disability, and financial concerns for US Armed Forces veterans.

A veteran serving the US Air Force Reserve as a chaplain, Collins’ rich career included service as an attorney, pastor, a Representative of Georgia’s State House, and a US Representative for Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District. He was a ranking member of the US House Committee on the Judiciary. He stood firm to defend Second Amendment rights. His dedication to our military and the countless warfighters he serves as a chaplain make him uniquely positioned to address the Department of Veteran’s Affairs needs.

Stories from his military service were recently featured in the newly-released bestseller Under His Wings by Fox News personality Emily Compagno. She wrote, “Chaplain Collins has led a life of service to his faith and to his country and is a shining light among many. He typifies the spirit of giving that infuses the fabric of our identity as Americans.” ¹  

6. Lee Zeldin – Environmental Protection Agency Administrator

The Role: The head of the EPA, enforcing environmental rules and laws and advising the President on related concerns.

Considering his political leanings, it was astounding to see Zeldin almost win the New York governor’s race, earning more votes than any Republican in over fifty years in the deep blue state. He was the youngest lawyer in state history, sworn into the New York Bar Association at only 23. Zeldin served in Congress for New York’s First Congressional District and serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US military. He is known as a champion for fellow veterans, fighting for his comrades who suffer from PTSD or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

The incoming President feels strongly about his pick, explaining that Zeldin “has been a true fighter for America First policies. He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet. He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way.”

7. Chris Wright – Secretary of Energy

The Role: Head of the Department of Energy (DOE) overseeing policy to support American security regarding energy, including the nation’s nuclear program.

After earning engineering degrees at MIT and UC Berkley, Wright has been an innovator in energy, serving as CEO of Pinnacle and pioneering shale gas production. He founded Liberty Resources and Liberty Midstream Solutions, where he served as their executive chairman. Wright serves on the board of the Urban Solutions Group for Denver’s Federal Reserve Bank.

Wright posted on X after his nomination. “I am honored and grateful for the opportunity from @realDonaldTrump to serve our country as US Secretary of Energy. My dedication to bettering human lives remains steadfast, with a focus on making American energy more affordable, reliable, and secure. Energy is the lifeblood that makes everything in life possible. Energy matters. I am looking forward to getting to work.”

8. Mehmet Oz – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator

The Role: Manages government healthcare programs to ensure compliance with laws, financial accountability, and policies.

Dr. Oz said he was “honored” by his nomination when he posted about it recently on X. He shared his enthusiasm for taking on the challenges of CMS. “I look forward to serving my country to Make America Healthy Again, under the leadership of HHS Secretary @RobertKennedyJr.”

His mantle must strain under the weight of awards, Emmys, and others for his TV hit, The Dr. Oz Show, and his noteworthy heart surgeon, columnist, and author accolades. He’s been named among the “most influential people” by Time Magazine and Esquire. Dr. Oz has been a powerful communicator who has impacted countless Americans with practical health guidance for many years. This only scratches the surface of his accomplishments, which have always led to his primary goal of helping his patients, colleagues, and fans.

9. Doug Burgum – Secretary of the Interior

The Role: Manages US national parks, wildlife, and natural resources, advising the President on these issues.

Former Governor of North Dakota, Burgum made the short list of those in consideration for the VP role in this Trump administration. Though Vance got the nod, garnering that confidence is no small feat.

He’s been a CEO, a venture capitalist, and a successful real estate investor. His leadership strengths, articulate strategy, and rich background of service inspired President Trump to invite Burgum, the accomplished politician and businessman, to his cabinet.

During an announcement about this nomination, the President called his pick in Burgum “fantastic.”

10. Matt Whitaker – Ambassador to NATO

The Role: Represent the interests of the US with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization committees and negotiations and issues concerning the security of the NATO nations.

Attorney and Co-Chair of the Center of Law & Justice at AFPI, Whitaker served as the acting Attorney General from 2018-2019. He was an attorney in his home state of Iowa. He was eventually appointed to the post of US Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa.

President Trump said in a statement about Whitaker, “I have full confidence in Matt’s ability to represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to promote PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Freedom, and Prosperity around the World.”

11. Elise Stefanik – US Ambassador to the United Nations

The Role: Represent the US at the United Nations meetings and negotiate with other UN nations.

Serving in the US House of Representatives for New York’s 21st District, Stefanik has gained a reputation for her determination and commitment to the mission at hand. She was a member of several committees, including Armed Services, Education and the Workforce, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Stefanik chairs a subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities and is part of another looking at our nation’s Readiness. She means business.

Stefanik is a relentless supporter of Israel, posting daily about the hostages still held by Hamas terrorists, and played a key role in exposing university presidents, some of whom resigned after they allowed unhinged campus protests and intimidation of Jewish American students.

Her kind of grit will project US strength and determination to the United Nations. Much needed.

12. Pete Hoekstra – US Ambassador to Canada

The Role: Engage in diplomatic missions and strengthen relations between the US and Canada.

His is a story of the American dream. His parents immigrated from Groningen, Netherlands when he was only three. He has become a true son of our nation, serving in the US House of Representatives and on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. In 2017, he began serving as the US Ambassador to the Netherlands. Upon confirmation, he will turn his attention to our northern neighbor.

President Trump was quoted on MLive.com saying of Hoekstra, “In Congress he was incredible, and then he was an unbelievable ambassador. Everybody thought he was just about the best.”

13. Mike Huckabee – US Ambassador to Israel

The Role: Represent the US in Israel, strengthen our friendship, and engage with officials in that nation regarding current international and regional concerns.

When the President tapped Huckabee to fill this role, he knew exactly what he was doing. A devout man of faith, the former Arkansas governor’s Christian faith led to his passion for the State of Israel. “He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Who doesn’t love Mike Huckabee? Seriously – name one person. Beyond his service to Arkansas, he hosted a Fox News show, Huckabee, for 8 years before it was revived by TBN, which ran until its finale last week. Through the years, he has endeared himself to millions, been a champion of American patriotism, and an unwavering ally to President Trump.

14. Russ Vought – Office of Management and Budget

The Role: Oversees the budget and all related matters and creates the President’s desired budget request to submit to Congress.

For the incoming President, this one was a no-brainer. Vought filled this vital role in the previous Trump term, and he’s doing it again. Before that, he worked with grassroots and public policy organizations for over two decades. He also served seven years as Vice-President of Heritage Action for America.

Trump fondly recalled in a post on Truth Social that Vought helped decrease the challenges to business and commerce. “We cut four Regulations for every new Regulation, and it was a Great Success!”

15. Scott Bessent – Treasury Secretary

The Role: Policy advisor to the President regarding financial, economic, and tax policies.

CEO and Chief Investment Officer for Key Square Capital Management, Bessent also served as Chief Investment Officer for Soros Fund Management in years past. He’s taught economic theory at Yale as an adjunct professor. He is a noted speaker who brings his knowledge of macroinvesting and economics to various venues.

President Trump sees this appointment as key to the economic success of the nation and shared, “Unlike in past Administrations, we will ensure that no Americans will be left behind in the next and Greatest Economic Boom, and Scott will lead that effort for me, and the Great People of the United States of America.”

16. Mike Faulkender – Deputy Secretary of the US Department of the Treasury

The Role: Creates Treasury policies and guides the agency in their implementation.

No newcomer to working with President Trump, Faulklender served the first term as Assistant Secretary of Economic Policy at the Treasury Department. The stakes are higher in this new role, and the incoming President is confident about his pick.

“Mike is a distinguished Economist and Policy practitioner who will drive our America First Agenda. He will help Treasury Secretary Nominee Scott Bessent usher in a new Golden Age for the United States by delivering a Great Economic Boom for all Americans.” Trump posted about this crucial pick.

As we mentioned last week – the 30 or so Trump administration nominees we’ve shared are less than a quarter of the many who have received the call from the incoming President. Like you, we pray for their confirmation hearings and the success of those nominated to help the United States of America revitalize during the next four critical years.

Keep praying, mamas, thanking God who made all this possible – and asking for His hand to move on behalf of our beloved nation.

Podcast Note: For Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Jaco Booyens shares about his heroic work on the frontlines of protecting children around the world from the threats of human sex trafficking and abuse. Don’t miss Jaco’s valuable tips to protect your kids so they never become victims!

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¹ Under His Wings, by Emily Copagno

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