Title: Trump Considers Cabinet Mix of Elected Officials and Political Outsiders for New Administration

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, discussions surrounding the staffing of his administration are well underway. Advisors are contemplating the composition of Trump’s future Cabinet, considering the balance between elected officials and individuals from business backgrounds, political outsiders, and loyalists, according to sources involved in the transition.

Emphasis on Outsider Selections

Reports suggest that Trump is inclined to prioritize Cabinet selections from outside government service rather than sitting lawmakers. This inclination stems from Trump’s perception that his first-term outside selections, including investor Steven Mnuchin, appointed to lead the Treasury Department, and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, designated to oversee the Department of Housing and Urban Development, have proven to be more successful and loyal than some lawmakers he initially appointed from Congress. Moreover, Trump's past grievances with certain lawmakers, such as Jeff Sessions, Tom Price, and Ryan Zinke, further fuel his determination to select individuals with a proven track record of loyalty and success.

Avoiding Special Elections

Another factor influencing Trump’s selection process is his aversion to holding special elections to replace sitting lawmakers, particularly in the Senate. Sources indicate that Trump wants to avoid situations similar to the Roy Moore scenario in Alabama, where a special election resulted in a surprising victory for Democrats. While no final decisions have been made, there is still room for the potential inclusion of specific members of Congress in Trump’s administration. Notable figures being considered include Sen. Eric Schmitt for attorney general and Sen. Marco Rubio, who has expressed willingness to serve in any capacity Trump needs.

On the other hand, Republican Senator Tom Cotton has conveyed his disinterest in joining the Trump administration, citing family considerations as a significant factor in his decision. His withdrawal comes as Trump’s team assesses the implications of each potential appointment on the president’s agenda and the impact of pulling sitting lawmakers

Potential Impact

The strategic considerations extend beyond personnel choices, with Trump’s ability to advance his agenda during the crucial first 100 days in office also weighing heavily on the decision-making process. According to a campaign official, appointing too many sitting lawmakers to the administration could hinder Trump's effectiveness in initiating key policies and initiatives promptly.

Influence of Donald Trump Jr.

Furthermore, the role of Donald Trump Jr. has emerged as a significant consideration, with reports suggesting that he could wield veto power over personnel choices.

Rubio’s Potential Appointment

Speculation surrounding the potential appointment of Senator Marco Rubio has gained traction, with sources indicating that his extensive public service record and prior vetting as a potential running mate greatly enhance his candidacy.

Cautionary Considerations

As Trump’s team narrows down the candidates, past experiences with previous appointments from Congress also factor into the calculations, particularly regarding the impact on Republican-held seats and the potential for future political liabilities.

The strategic considerations and personal factors intertwine as Trump prepares to assemble his new administration, aiming to strike a balance between valuable experience, loyalty, and political pragmatism while navigating the complexities of personnel selections.