President-elect Trump revealed a lineup of new deputy positions for key Cabinet roles, signaling his administration is taking shape just days before he officially takes office.
Key Facts:
– Trump announced four new deputy secretaries and one chief counsel on Saturday.
– Katharine MacGregor will serve as deputy secretary of the interior.
– David Fotouhi will become deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
– James P. Danly is tapped as deputy secretary of energy.
– Paul R. Lawrence will serve as deputy secretary of veteran affairs.
The Rest of The Story:
In a series of social media posts, Trump confirmed these deputy appointments to strengthen his upcoming Cabinet.
MacGregor, formerly a vice president at NextEra Energy, Inc., will return to a role she once held under Trump’s first term at the Department of the Interior.
Trump named David Fotouhi as the next deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, pointing to Fotouhi’s past work as the EPA’s acting general counsel.
He is expected to advance what Trump calls “pro Growth policies” focused on energy and the environment.
Meanwhile, James P. Danly’s appointment to the Energy Department highlights his military background and his time leading regulatory policy at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Trump praised his “countless cases” won in federal courts, stressing Danly’s role in driving “affordable energy” for Americans.
At the Department of Veterans Affairs, Paul R. Lawrence will once again help shape policy for military veterans, aiming to reduce backlogs for VA benefits.
Trump credits Lawrence with modernizing the appeals process and assisting in lowering wait times during his first term.
Lastly, Trump revealed that University of Chicago professor Casey B. Mulligan will become the chief counsel for advocacy at the Small Business Administration.
Trump sees Mulligan’s background as vital for streamlining regulations and supporting economic opportunities.
The Bottom Line:
These new deputies add more experience and familiarity from Trump’s initial presidency, suggesting his second term will follow many of the same priorities.
Trump’s message points toward further deregulation and pro-business policies.
With Inauguration Day on the horizon, these nominations offer an early look at his governing team.