Billionaires and believers: Trump's bold new inner circle

In what might make even the wealthiest blush, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has assembled an administration whose combined net worth is estimated to surpass $460 billion, dwarfing the GDP of numerous nations. This unprecedented congregation of affluence includes at least 13 billionaires, marking a stark departure from traditional government compositions and raising questions about the influence of wealth in public service.

While the broader incoming administration dazzles with figures like Elon Musk, who will co-lead a new department, Trump's knack for turning it into a spectacle is reflected most sharply in his choice of cabinet members, a group he views as the face of his policies and the drivers of his agenda.

Among the notable appointees is Scott Bessent, a hedge fund magnate nominated for secretary of the treasury. Bessent, who has agreed to wind down his firm to avoid conflicts of interest, brings a private sector perspective to the nation's financial policies. His nomination underscores Trump's proclivity for individuals with substantial business acumen, albeit with limited governmental experience.

The selection of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, as secretary of defense further exemplifies this trend. Hegseth's media presence and alignment with Trump's viewpoints suggest a cabinet where loyalty and public visibility are paramount. Similarly, the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial health views, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services indicates a willingness to appoint figures whose perspectives resonate with specific segments of the populace, regardless of mainstream acceptance.

Loyalty appears to be a non-negotiable criterion in Trump's selection process, with many of his picks having been vocal in supporting his claims that the 2020 election was stolen by Joe Biden, the then Democratic candidate. It is believed that adherence to Trump's narrative about election fraud has become a litmus test for them.

Pam Bondi, nominated for attorney general, previously served on Trump's legal team during his first impeachment trial. Though maintaining she would uphold the Department of Justice's traditional independence from the White House, Bondi has avoided acknowledgment of the Republican's loss in the 2020 election.

Other appointments reflect a preference for individuals who have demonstrated unwavering beliefs that align with Trump's vision, especially those who have publicly supported his stance on contentious matters. Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota and nominee for secretary of homeland security, has been a steadfast supporter of Trump's policies, particularly on issues like border security.

The composition of this cabinet is not without its challenges, however. The emphasis on loyalty and outsider status has led to the inclusion of individuals with diverse and, at times, conflicting viewpoints. Such ideological diversity could pose obstacles to cohesive policymaking. For instance, while some appointees prioritize deregulation and free-market principles, others may advocate for more interventionist approaches, potentially leading to internal discord.

The sheer wealth of Trump's inner circle has also sparked debates about their ability to empathize with and address the concerns of average Americans. Critics argue that such a concentration of affluence may result in policies that favor the elite, widening the gap between the rich and the poor. The presence of figures like Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg at Trump's inauguration, the latter two of whom have warmed up to the president-elect in contrast to their previous stance, further fuels concerns about the intertwining of private wealth and public governance.

Compared to his 2016 transition, which was marked by deliberation and occasional indecision, Trump's current approach to cabinet formation is notably swift and resolute. This decisiveness suggests a desire to avoid the pitfalls of his first term by surrounding himself with individuals who not only bring substantial resources and visibility but also exhibit unwavering loyalty to his agenda.

As this assemblage of billionaires, media personalities and political outsiders prepares to assume office, the nation watches with bated breath. Whether this blending of wealth and loyalty will translate into effective governance remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks a new chapter in the intersection of money, media and politics in America.

(Infographic by Zhao Hong)