Trump's incoming cabinet and leadership team will likely include people like Tom Cotton (Defense), Bill Hagerty (State/Treasury), and Marco Rubio, who are aligned on countering Chinese economic aggression and integrating defense, diplomatic, and economic strategies; the most critical unconfirmed position is National Security Advisor, which requires someone who guards the president's independent judgment rather than advocating preferred policies.

forecastpending

Speaker

HR McMaster

Evidence Quote

Tom Cotton in defense paired with Bill Hagerty in state... need somebody who's going to guard Donald Trump's independence of judgment

Source

The Comeback: The NYT’s Bret Stephens and the GoodFellows Recap the ’24 ElectionHoover Institution
Created: 8/11/2026, 1:46:20 AM

My Notes

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