Trump, defying media predictions, mainly picks seasoned Capitol Hill veterans such as Marco Rubio

As the media had warned for months leading up to the election, many feared that a second term for Donald Trump would result in a lack of guardrails and the appointment of extreme right-wing individuals to top government positions. However, to the surprise of many, Trump has instead chosen experienced, conventional conservatives for key roles in his administration.

One of the most notable appointments made by Trump is Marco Rubio as secretary of State. Rubio, a 14-year Senate veteran and son of Cuban immigrants, has been informally advising Trump on foreign policy. Despite some past animosity between the two during the 2016 election, they have since reconciled and Rubio is seen as a solid choice for the position.

In addition to Rubio, Trump has selected a number of Hill veterans who align with him on key issues and could have just as easily been chosen by someone like Mitt Romney. Kristi Noem, the South Dakota governor, has been chosen as Homeland Security secretary, despite a previous controversy involving a dog-shooting incident. Trump has been moving quickly to fill these positions, demonstrating a sense of urgency and seriousness about governing.

Some media outlets have criticized Trump for appointing “loyalists,” but it is not uncommon for presidents to surround themselves with advisers who share their views. Biden, Obama, and Clinton have all done the same. Trump’s picks, including Elise Stefanik, Lee Zeldin, and Mike Waltz, are seen as serious individuals who understand how Washington works.

Critics have pointed to appointees like Stephen Miller and Tom Homan as evidence of Trump’s hard-line stance on immigration. Miller, who led immigration policy in Trump’s first term, has been promoted to deputy chief of staff, while Homan, who ran ICE, has been named the border czar. These appointments indicate that Trump is serious about carrying out his promises on immigration.

Despite the skepticism from some in the media, Trump’s appointments reflect a mix of experienced individuals and conservative hard-liners who align with his priorities. As more top positions are filled in the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see how Trump’s administration takes shape and how his policies will be implemented.