Washington, D.C. – Donald Trump’s second-term Cabinet isn’t just packed with conservatives — it’s stacked with people who used to sing his praises on Fox News. Former hosts, contributors, and TV personalities who spent years defending him on-air have been rewarded with some of the most powerful jobs in the country.
Their main qualification? Loyalty to Mr. Trump — not public service, not expertise. Just unwavering, on-air support.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
Jeanine Pirro built a reputation on Fox News with fiery defenses of Mr. Trump. In 2019, Fox suspended her after she questioned Representative Ilhan Omar’s loyalty to the United States. Mr. Trump then demanded her reinstatement.
“Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position and is considered one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York,” he wrote on Truth Social. “She is in a class by herself.”
Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth used his Fox & Friends segments to criticise military leaders, mock “wokeness,” and back Mr. Trump’s foreign policy. Despite past controversies, including a leaked chat in which he discussed a military operation with a journalist present, Mr. Trump tapped him to run the Pentagon.
Loyalty, the president has said, outweighs concerns about judgment.
Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation
Sean Duffy, a former MTV reality star and congressman, had little direct experience in transportation. As a Fox Business commentator, he frequently praised Mr. Trump. His upbeat TV presence and strong soundbites helped win him the Transportation post.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
Once a Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard spent the 2024 campaign on Fox News attacking her former party and defending Mr. Trump.
Now she leads the U.S. intelligence community. In March, she warned that “politically motivated leaks undermine our national security,” a system she has said once targeted the president unfairly.
Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned Fox host, rose to fame promoting pro-Trump views and so-called “deep state” theories. Even after Fox canceled his show, Mr. Trump kept him in mind.
Just before the 2024 election, Mr. Bongino wrote, “Trust absolutely NOTHING emanating from the DOJ or FBI that even remotely whiffs of politics.”
Tom Homan, Border “Czar”
Tom Homan, a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement official, never hesitated to back the president’s toughest immigration ideas. On 60 Minutes, he said immigrant families “can be deported together” and supported using old prison sites like Alcatraz to house detainees, adding “We need beds.”
Lara Trump, RNC Chair
Lara Trump is the bridge between Trump’s inner circle and Fox News. She’s been a contributor, campaign operative, RNC co-chair, and now a Fox weekend host. Her show gives viewers direct access to the Trump family and in turn offers the president free airtime.
“Remember, Lara Trump opens her big new show tonight on Fox News,” Mr. Trump posted.
The message from Trump is loud and clear: defend me on Fox, and I’ll give you power. Experience is optional. Expertise is negotiable. But if you clap loud enough on TV, there might be a Cabinet seat with your name on it.