As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term in the White House, he has named two key figures to lead crucial aspects of his administration’s agenda. Trump appointed former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tom Homan as “border tsar” and New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the United Nations. Both appointments underline Trump’s commitment to tackling border security and reinforcing America’s influence on the global stage, themes central to his campaign.
Tom Homan as Border Tsar
Tom Homan, a 62-year-old former police officer and ICE director, has a longstanding connection to Trump’s immigration policies. Known for his staunch views on immigration enforcement, Homan previously played a key role in Trump’s first administration. As ICE director, Homan’s hard-line stance included support for the controversial policy of separating migrant children from their families as a deterrent to illegal border crossings. This earned him both praise and criticism, but his unwavering support for Trump’s policies solidified his reputation within conservative circles.
In his new role as border tsar, Homan will oversee a broad spectrum of security concerns, including the Southern and Northern borders, as well as maritime and aviation security. Trump outlined Homan’s responsibilities in a Truth Social post, emphasizing Homan’s authority over “all deportations of illegal aliens” and his charge to safeguard “the Nation’s Borders.” Homan’s appointment suggests that Trump’s administration will once again take a hard-line approach on immigration, with plans to intensify deportations and secure U.S. borders.
Homan’s role also aligns with Project 2025, a policy framework developed by the conservative Heritage Foundation. The think-tank document outlines a vision for Trump’s second term, advocating for policies to restrict illegal immigration and ensure tighter border control. Though Trump has distanced himself from Heritage, the appointment of Homan, a Heritage Foundation fellow, suggests that Trump’s policy approach may closely follow Project 2025’s framework.
Elise Stefanik as UN Ambassador
New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a prominent figure in Trump’s Republican Party, is set to take on the influential role of ambassador to the United Nations. Her career trajectory has seen her evolve from a moderate Republican to one of Trump’s most loyal supporters in the House. Elected as the youngest woman in Congress at age 30 in 2014, Stefanik quickly ascended within Republican leadership ranks, becoming the fourth-ranking House Republican.
Stefanik’s appointment as UN ambassador comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The position will demand a strong diplomatic stance on issues central to global security and cooperation, and Trump praised Stefanik’s “America First” perspective as an asset to the role. In a statement to the New York Post, Stefanik expressed her gratitude, describing the appointment as a “humbling” opportunity and signaling her intent to secure bipartisan support for the role.
Republican Control in Congress Edges Closer
Meanwhile, Trump’s Republican Party appears poised to achieve full control of Congress. Republicans currently hold a majority in the Senate and are on the verge of clinching a majority in the House. With 215 seats already secured, the party is just three seats shy of the 218 needed to take control. A Republican majority in both chambers would give Trump greater latitude to pass legislation in line with his agenda. Control over the House would also empower Republicans to initiate spending bills and launch impeachment proceedings against officials, further consolidating Trump’s influence.
Speculation Over Future Appointments
As Trump finalizes his cabinet, additional names are circulating for high-profile roles. Susie Wiles, who was recently appointed as chief of staff, has long been a trusted aide to Trump. Billionaire Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter) and vocal Trump supporter, is rumored to be a contender for a cabinet position. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran his own presidential campaign before endorsing Trump, may also join the administration.
While Trump has already ruled out previous appointees like Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo, speculation is mounting over potential new figures, including Florida Senator Rick Scott, who has Musk’s backing to become Senate majority leader.
Looking Ahead
The appointments of Homan and Stefanik underscore the president-elect’s determination to fulfill his campaign promises on immigration and strengthen America’s stance internationally. With his party edging closer to full congressional control, Trump is well-positioned to advance his policy goals, including stringent border security and an assertive foreign policy. As additional appointments are made, the direction of the Trump administration’s second term will become clearer, but it is evident that Trump intends to act swiftly and decisively to advance his agenda both domestically and abroad.
