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: 

Alina Habba

On Sunday, Dec. 8, Trump announced that Alina Habba, his senior advisor and the attorney who represented him in the New York hush money trial, will serve as counselor to the president – a role held by GOP strategist Kellyanne Conway during Trump’s first term. 

Habba, a New Jersey native, is a 2010 graduate of the Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg. Habba gained notoriety for defending Trump against charges he paid $130,000 to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels, the trial during which Trump was found guilty of all 34 charges related to the payment scheme.

Howard Lutnick

Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, was among the first official nominations to be announced, with Trump announcing his choice to lead the U.S. Commerce Department on Nov. 19. 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 on Nov. 19 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.