Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump is wasting no time in putting together his team ahead of the January 20 inauguration, unveiling a trio of appointees who won’t have to run the gauntlet of Senate confirmation. With the usual political drama swirling around his cabinet picks, which featured a notable flop with the unfortunate nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, this latest lineup appears to be focused on one thing: restoring order and accountability to a government that could sure use it.
First up is Chad Mizelle for Chief of Staff at the Department of Justice. Mizelle is basically a walking resume of Trump’s first term, having previously served as the General Counsel and Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeland Security. His track record in securing the border and tackling illegal immigration makes him a natural fit for this pivotal role. Trump himself has hailed Mizelle as a “MAGA warrior,” underscoring the trust the President-elect places in him to enforce his stron stance on immigration and deliver some much-needed justice to the DOJ.
Next in line is Aaron Reitz, who takes over the DOJ’s Office of Legal Policy. Reitz has spent his time impressively supporting Texas Senator Ted Cruz and has also worked under the watchful eye of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Known for embracing a hands-on approach to law enforcement through litigation (or “lawfare,” if you will), Reitz is set to help shape the DOJ’s policies and court strategies. If there was ever a time to ramp up Republican influence on judicial nominations, this is it, and Reitz is well equipped to tackle the challenge.
Finally, the Federal Railroad Administration welcomes David Fink, a man with over four decades of experience in the railroad industry, which gives him the credentials to speed past the pitfalls of recent train disasters. Trump’s confidence in Fink’s ability to usher in a new era of safety and innovation seems well-placed, especially considering the attention train derailments have received. Given the serious nature of rail accidents, including the toxic one in East Palestine, Ohio, this role is crucial in preventing more incidents and boosting public trust in rail systems.
Trump outlines slate of appointments less than a month from Inauguration Day https://t.co/zH1knexOej
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 22, 2024
It can’t be overlooked that while these positions don’t require Senate approval, they are still critical components of Trump’s vision to turn the DOJ and federal administration into bastions of integrity and safety. With each nomination, it’s crystal clear that the incoming administration is committed to addressing long-standing issues that matter to Americans, whether they be border security or the safety of public transportation.
As the clock ticks down to the inauguration, Trump’s newly announced appointees are gearing up for what promises to be an invigorating and perhaps tumultuous time ahead. The echoes of “law and order” resonate with these picks, promising to chart a course that seeks both safety and justice in a country that desperately needs both.
