President-elect Donald Trump has made several key nominations for his administration, including Kari Lake to head the government-funded news organization Voice of America, Leandro Rizzuto Jr., heir to the Conair fortune, as ambassador to the Organization of American States, and Jacob Helberg, known for his hardline stance on China, for an important economic advisory position within the State Department. These appointments were announced on Wednesday and Tuesday as Trump works to finalize his cabinet selections.
In addition to these nominations, Trump has filled most of the Senate-confirmed Cabinet-level positions with a mix of unexpected and contentious choices. He has also appointed a chief of staff and a national security adviser, both of which are critical roles that do not require Senate confirmation.
Amid these developments, there are reports that Trump is contemplating a change in his Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, potentially replacing him with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. This consideration arises in light of allegations against Hegseth regarding public intoxication and sexual misconduct, which he has firmly denied.