Stocking the cabinet: Tracking the Trump nominees with Pennsylvania ties

The former president and now president-elect quickly began announcing potential nominees and cabinet members soon after election night. And for Pennsylvania, a state that helped carry Donald Trump to victory, it seems like many big names are slated to slide into some high-profile roles within the upcoming Trump administration, assuming their nomination is approved by the U.S. Senate. 

Here is a list of all the Pennsylvanians (and Pennsylvania-adjacent folks) being considered for Trump’s cabinet: 

Howard Lutnick

Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, was among the first official nominations to be announced this week, with Trump announcing his choice to lead the U.S. Commerce Department on Tuesday. Lutnick, who is also a co-chair of Trump’s transition team and Haverford College’s largest donor, is a cryptocurrency enthusiast and was Elon Musk’s pick to lead the treasury, according to WHYY. 

Trump called Lutnick “the embodiment of resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy,” referencing his charitable contributions to 9/11 families after 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees, including Lutnick’s brother, died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, while Lutnick was CEO. 

Lutnick is also a major supporter of Trump’s tariffs plan and said it can be used as a tool to “protect the American worker.” Lutnick had also been considered for the role of treasury secretary, a more high-profile position. 

Mehmet Oz

The heart surgeon-turned-television doctor-turned-Senate candidate now has his sights on a new project: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Trump announced Tuesday that he has chosen Dr. Mehmet Oz to work as administrator of CMS, a position overseeing the country’s health care plans and working closely with the HHS Secretary, who is expected to be Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  

In addition to his television fame and unsuccessful Senate run in Pennsylvania, Oz has been accused of espousing questionable medical claims and pushing so-called miracle weight loss products unsupported by scientific research. 

Not only would this be Oz’ first real step into public office, it would also give him the rare opportunity to be confirmed by two sitting lawmakers he ran against – John Fetterman, who defeated Oz in the 2022 Senate race and Dave McCormick, who Oz narrowly defeated in the primary race for that 2022 seat. 

Marc Rowan

Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan also reportedly interviewed for the post of treasury secretary on Tuesday, according to several sources. The Financial Times reported Rowan, a private equity billionaire who emerged recently as a leading contender, reportedly has the support of several Trump confidants and Wall Street donors. 

Rowan worked with the Trump administration during his first term and rose in conservative political circles for his role last year in ousting Liz Magill, then president of the University of Pennsylvania, amid anti-Israel protests occurring on campus. Rowan is also a Penn graduate and comes from an Apollo group that holds more than $700 billion in assets. If confirmed, he would have direct influence over the $24 trillion private equity market. 

Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson

The only sitting lawmaker on this list, Glenn “GT” Thompson has been included on the short list of potential Trump picks as agriculture secretary. Thompson, who has represented North Central Pennsylvania in the U.S. House since 2009, most recently served as the House Agriculture Chair, the first Pennsylvanian to do so in 168 years. 

E&E News/Politico reported that Thompson is among the top contenders for the position, and that the Bellefonte native has vast experience working on agricultural issues and has been known to work on both sides of the aisle.