Ex-Trump Deputy Campaign Chair: First transition ruined by ‘bureaucratic interference,’ now ‘Trump is picking’ his people

On this episode of the podcast, Rick Gates, then-first time presidential candidate Donald Trump’s 2016 Deputy Campaign Chairman dives into the anticipated transition process for President Trump’s second term, highlighting critical appointments and their far-reaching impact. Gates reflects on President Joe Biden’s respectful meeting with the incoming 47th president, suggesting Biden’s cordial approach was a gesture of recognizing Trump’s ‘resounding’ victory. He also underscores President Trump’s strengthened national security team, shaped by insights from the first term and extensive transition process. Other key appointments include Tom Homan as Border Czar, Elon Musk to streamline government efficiency and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense — each seen as essential to Trump’s second-term agenda. Gates also envisions transformative leadership within several agencies, discussing the potential of Cabinet members like Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as U.S. Attorney General and former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator as they’re both poised to bring sweeping reforms under their leadership and at the direction of President Donald J. Trump.