Key Takeaways:
– President-elect Donald Trump appoints Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, as the new Energy Secretary.
– Wright, a strong proponent of Trump’s plan for U.S. “energy dominance”, is a staunch supporter of fracking and oil and gas development.
– Elon Musk calls for widespread public discussion before the selection of the head for the Treasury Department.
– Among speculated contenders for the Treasury Department, Musk prefers Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, against conventional choice Scott Bessent.
– Trump continues to make preparations for his administration, with key selections for State Secretary, Attorney General, and White House Press Secretary announced.
Chris Wright to Spearhead Energy Policy
The newly elected President Donald Trump made his first mark on Saturday, announcing the appointment of Chris Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, as the Energy Secretary. Known for his robust advocacy for oil and gas development, Wright has often been a forceful voice in the industry opposing global climate change mitigation efforts. He may now offer a significant boost to fossil fuels in the U.S., potentially scrutinizing the Biden administration’s pause on natural gas export approvals.
Musk Calls for Public Opinion on Treasury Choices
Simultaneously, Elon Musk, a key Trump confidant and billionaire entrepreneur, made a call to the public on the decision process for the crucial Treasury Secretary post. Musk, previously chosen by Trump to lead the commission that will enhance government spending efficiency, put forward a public poll on his social media platform, X.
Musk Prefers Lutnick Over Bessent for Treasury Department
In his inaugural participation in the public poll, Musk endorsed Howard Lutnick, the CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald. He critiqued Scott Bessent, a business-friendly hedge fund manager, as the ‘business-as-usual’ choice. Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s transition team who has been open to cryptocurrency, is known to be a driving force for change.
Administration Lineup Takes Shape
Alongside these developments, Trump’s selection for the head of the Health and Human Services Department, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also backe Lutnick’s choice, signaling a pro-bitcoin future. Other picks from Trump include Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, both from Florida.
Additionally, Trump chose a youthful Karoline Leavitt, his campaign press secretary, to serve as the White House press secretary. This appointment will make Karoline Leavitt the youngest ever to take the White House podium.
Still, Some Seats Left to Fill
Despite these significant selections, the treasury, along with the heads for the Education and Labor Departments, are yet to be assigned. Former federal prosecutor, Will Scharf, stands chosen as the assistant to the President-elect and the White House staff secretary.
Trump and the UFC Connection
Contrasting from official assignments, Trump’s visit to the UFC heavyweight championship fight at New York’s Madison Square Garden sheds light on his pedigree with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His friendship with UFC President Dana White spans more than two decades, making this visit another notable event in his recent appearances.
The choices made by President-elect Donald Trump for his administrative team have substantial implications for the future trajectory of U.S. policy. As these appointments crystallize, the public eagerly awaits the decisions for the remaining key slots. The voice of figures like Elon Musk, urging active public engagement, may indeed shape the final lineup for this new era of American governance.