ATLANTA — President Donald Trump’s brand of populism has always carried a sense of irony: the billionaire businessman rallying millions of working-class Americans who could never dream of affording life in his Manhattan skyscraper or vacations at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Now, Trump’s second term is shaping up to reflect that same contrast. His administration is filling up with billionaires and mega-millionaires, turning his White House into a high-powered circle of some of America’s wealthiest individuals.
At the forefront is Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, who has been appointed to lead a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. Other billionaires and wealthy elites have been tapped to head key departments, including Treasury, Commerce, Education, NASA, and the Small Business Administration, while others are being positioned for significant foreign roles.
“He’s bringing in proven leaders from the private sector,” said Debbie Dooley, a longtime Trump supporter and former Tea Party organizer. “If you need brain surgery, you want the best surgeon. This is no different.”
Critics, however, question whether these ultra-wealthy nominees can truly champion the needs of everyday Americans. “How can the wealthiest Cabinet in U.S. history understand the struggles of working people?” asked Robert Reich, former Labor Secretary under President Bill Clinton, pointing to the nation’s stark wealth disparities.
Still, supporters believe Trump’s leadership will ensure his agenda stays on track. “If they don’t deliver, Trump will say what we’ve all heard before: ‘You’re fired!’” Dooley said.
Here’s a closer look at some of Trump’s prominent picks and what their appointments could mean:
Elon Musk
Net worth: Over $400 billion (Forbes)
Role: Chair of the Department of Government Efficiency
Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been tasked with slashing federal spending through his new role. However, critics point to the extensive ties his companies have to government contracts, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Linda McMahon
Net worth: At least $3 billion (family wealth)
Role: Secretary of Education
The former WWE executive and wife of Vince McMahon will lead the Education Department. Her appointment is expected to align with Trump’s push for expanding “school choice” programs, steering taxpayer money toward private school tuition. McMahon may also implement Trump’s proposals to withhold federal funding from public schools that fail to meet the administration’s demands to reduce or eliminate diversity programs.
Doug Burgum
Net worth: $1.1 billion
Role: Secretary of the Interior
Burgum, the governor of North Dakota and a former software entrepreneur, impressed Trump during his brief 2024 GOP presidential campaign. As interior secretary, Burgum will oversee Trump’s pro-energy agenda, including expanded fossil fuel extraction on public lands.
Scott Bessent
Net worth: Hundreds of millions (Forbes estimate)
Role: Secretary of the Treasury
Bessent, a veteran hedge fund manager, will be tasked with implementing Trump’s tax policies, including reinstating the 2017 corporate tax cuts, lowering taxes on overtime wages and Social Security benefits, and imposing tariffs on imports. However, his appointment has drawn criticism due to the potential financial benefits he and other wealthy appointees may gain from such policies.
Howard Lutnick
Net worth: $1.5 billion
Role: Secretary of Commerce
Lutnick, a financial services executive, will be at the forefront of Trump’s trade negotiations and policy shifts, including promised trade wars with China and other nations. His role also places him in charge of agencies like the Census Bureau, which directly impacts federal funding allocations.
Kelly Loeffler
Net worth: Among the wealthiest senators in history
Role: Administrator of the Small Business Administration
Loeffler, a former senator from Georgia, will lead the SBA despite facing previous ethics complaints about stock trades made during her time in Congress. As SBA administrator, she will oversee resources for small businesses, though critics argue her background in financial markets contrasts sharply with the agency’s mission.
Jared Isaacman
Net worth: Billionaire (financial services)
Role: NASA Administrator
Isaacman, known for his private space ventures, embodies Trump’s vision of blending public and private interests in the space industry. As NASA administrator, he will oversee an agency that increasingly collaborates with private companies like Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin.
These appointments showcase Trump’s preference for tapping private-sector elites to tackle government issues, reflecting his belief in business-driven solutions. Whether these leaders can bridge the gap between their own wealth and the challenges facing everyday Americans remains to be seen.
