Impact of President-Elect Trump’s Cabinet on the Middle East
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, the newly-nominated members of his cabinet are poised to significantly influence U.S. policy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The selections for these key positions in the U.S. government reflect a blend of traditional conservative views and staunch support for allies like Israel. These choices will undoubtedly shape the administration’s approach to MENA issues. This article will delve into some of Trump’s potential picks and what they could mean for the Middle East.
Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
Senator Marco Rubio is serving as the senior United States senator from Florida, an office he has held since 2011. As a member of the Republican Party, he served as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2008. Senator Marco Rubio is known for his hardline stance on foreign policy, particularly towards Iran and China. He has been nominated as Secretary of State. Rubio’s appointment signals a continuation of strong U.S. support for Israel and a tough stance on Iran. This aligns with Trump’s approach to both countries during his first term. Rubio’s previous criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of Israel’s conflicts suggests that the U.S. will likely adopt a more aggressive posture in supporting Israeli actions in the region. Rubio’s time on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his vocal advocacy for democracy and strength indicate his focus will focus on promoting U.S. interests and asserting U.S. influence in the MENA region.
Secretary of Defense: Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth is a Fox News host and an Army veteran, having served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay. Hegseth’s appointment in this position has been a point of contention within the Republican party and, more vocally, with Democrats as well, as he lacks the managerial experience that has typically accompanied those nominated to lead the Pentagon, the government’s largest agency. His strong pro-Israel views and aggressive stance on Iran align with Trump’s, and can be expected to reinforce U.S. military support for Israel and potentially escalate military engagements with Iranian proxies in the region. Hegseth is particularly controversial at this time as recent allegations of sexual assault and ties to Christian nationalists have emerged. These extremist concerns were severe enough that Hegseth was ordered, as a member of the National Guard, to stand down from Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Ambassador to Israel: Mike Huckabee
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee served as the 44th Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. He is a longtime supporter of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and a critic of Palestinian statehood, and has been nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee’s appointment is likely to embolden Israeli expansionist policies given his position on settlements and further complicate the prospects for a two-state solution. Huckabee’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are known to align with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policy and many peace activists fear that Huckabee’s appointment signals a final push for Israel to consolidate control over Palestinian territories. He was previously captured on video saying “there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian.”
Middle East Envoy: Steven Witkoff
Steven Witkoff is a real estate investor and philanthropist, recently chosen as the potential Middle East Envoy for the upcoming Trump administration. Witkoff has no prior diplomatic or political experience, leaving the decision for his nomination questioned by many. Witkoff has expressed unwavering support for Israel, indicating his role will focus on strengthening U.S.-Israel ties and supporting the state’s interests in the region. Despite his selection, it is unclear what the role will entail as special envoys are not standard diplomats. In addition to his lack of experience, Witkoff’s close relationship with Trump as his golfing partner has been a point of contention. His business connections within the Trump administration suggest that his approach will focus, in part, on economic partnerships, potentially prioritizing business and investment opportunities in the Middle East.
Further Reading:
Trump’s Cabinet Picks and More White House Appointments