Trump 2.0: Look at candidates who are set for White House stints and Elon Musk’s role in Donald Trump’s historic comeback

PTC Web Desk: In a dramatic turn of events, Republican Donald Trump has clinched a historic comeback, defeating his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris and securing his position as the 47th President of the United States. The 78-year-old former president, who will become the oldest person ever to take the presidential oath when he is inaugurated on January 20, 2025, achieved a sweeping victory that surpassed his previous margins. Despite his criminal conviction and two impeachments, Trump’s resilience has propelled him back into the White House, along with a new and unconventional set of characters poised to influence the direction of the country.

Elon Musk spent $110 million of his personal fortune to secure Republican’s victory

One of the most significant and unexpected figures in this administration is tech billionaire Elon Musk. A figure whose journey has been nothing short of controversial, Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and X (formerly Twitter), has transformed from a critic of Trump to one of his most vocal supporters.

In fact, Musk played a pivotal role in Trump’s campaign, spending over $110 million of his personal fortune to secure the Republican’s victory. What’s more, Trump has announced that Musk will play a central role in his administration, likely overseeing a complete audit of the U. government to root out waste and inefficiencies. Elon Musk’s influence is also expected to extend to shaping space and business policies within the administration, further solidifying his status as one of Trump’s most trusted advisors.

The collaboration between the two prominent figures, who were once at odds, marks a striking shift in Musk’s political trajectory. Just two years ago, Musk publicly suggested that Trump should "hang up his hat and sail into the sunset." However, this is not the first time Musk has been involved in high-stakes political maneuvering. Known for his unconventional approach to business and technology, Musk’s entry into the political sphere is set to have a profound impact, particularly as he takes on roles traditionally held by career politicians. Donald Trump, recognising Musk’s influence, is expected to leverage his expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, energy, and technology innovation.

Other unexpected figures who will help shape Trump's second term in office

One of the most notable names in Trump’s new administration is JD Vance, the author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy. A former critic of Trump, Vance once described him as America’s "Hitler," but has since shifted his stance, now emerging as a key ally. At just 40, JD Vance will become the third-youngest vice president in US history, making his selection a surprising and unconventional choice.

Another prominent figure in Trump’s administration is Robert Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy initially ran as an independent in the 2024 election but later withdrew and endorsed Trump, pledging to work alongside the Republican president to bring significant reforms to US healthcare. Kennedy, a well-known advocate for environmental issues, particularly against the addition of fluoride in the water supply, is rumored to be in the running for a major cabinet position. Trump, in his victory speech, stated that Kennedy would help him "make America healthy again," and confirmed that he would be given a "big role" in the administration.

In addition to these major figures, there are other key Republicans who are likely to feature in Trump’s second term. Former US Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, is being considered for a top national security position or as Secretary of State. Senior campaign aide Susie Wiles, who played a crucial role in orchestrating Trump’s political comeback, is likely to be appointed as White House Chief of Staff. Meanwhile, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is being eyed for the role of Energy Secretary, and Senator Tom Cotton could be nominated as Defense Secretary.

Other Republicans who may be part of Trump’s new administration include former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, and Congressman Lee Zeldin. The combination of these individuals, many of whom have strong ties to Trump’s core base, represents a shift toward populist and outsider influence in the administration, signaling a break from traditional political elites.

As Trump prepares for his second term, the inclusion of figures like Elon Musk and JD Vance marks a new chapter in American politics, one that emphasizes disruption, unorthodox approaches, and a commitment to reshaping the government.