President-elect Donald Trump began to form his cabinet this week, unveiling nominations that include individuals with strong ties to the Jewish and pro-Israel communities, such as Mike Huckabee, Steve Witkoff, and Marco Rubio.
His initial national security appointments are staunch supporters of Israel, with some having questioned the existence of the Palestinian people and advocating for the annexation of the West Bank. These appointments are poised to help advance his “America First” agenda and hardline populist stance during a potential second term. They may also signal potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Iran and efforts to address ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Here’s an overview of the key figures and potential candidates in Trump’s incoming cabinet and advisory circles related to Jewish and Israel issues.
Why Trump picked Marco Rubio: Rubio, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, brings significant national security experience and strong connections that are expected to facilitate a smooth Senate confirmation.
What he’s said on Israel: Rubio, 53, aligns with Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine and advocates for giving Israel the autonomy to defeat Hamas. In a viral video earlier this year, Rubio stated his expectation that Israel would “destroy every element of Hamas.” He compared the Israeli ground operation in Rafah, which was opposed by the Biden administration, to the Allies’ pursuit of Adolf Hitler during World War II.
What he’s said on Iran: Rubio has been a strong proponent of reinstating stringent economic sanctions on Iran, aiming to disrupt its terror networks and prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Relationship with the Jewish community: Rubio’s political patron is Norman Braman, an auto dealership magnate and former president of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. However, Rubio surprised some pro-Israel supporters when he voted against emergency funding for Israel in April, citing the absence of border enforcement measures. Rubio also defended Trump after the latter made repeated accusations that American Jews were disloyal to Israel and suggested that those voting for Democrats must hate their religion. Additionally, Rubio angered Orthodox Jewish leaders in 2022 by introducing a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, a measure they argued would interfere with morning prayers and work schedules.
Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense
What he’s said on Israel: Hegseth, 44, a Fox News host, has consistently expressed strong support for Israel. He credits his time in the U.S. Army with shaping his positive view of the Jewish state. In March, he interviewed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, affirming that “Israel needs our support.” He also produced a three-part Fox Nation series titled Battle in the Holy Land: Israel at War, focusing on the conflict in Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian situation. Hegseth echoed Trump’s stance, saying, “There’s no doubt this is a fight that Israel needs to finish,” referring to Israel’s efforts to eliminate Hamas.
A hardliner on Iran: Hegseth has been vocal about taking a tough stance on Iran, advocating for U.S. military action back in 2020. “I don’t want boots on the ground, I don’t want occupation, I don’t want endless war,” he stated on Fox News. “But Iran has been in endless war with us for 40 years. Either we put up and shut up now and stop it, or we kind of wait, go back to the table, and let them dither while they attempt to continue to develop the capabilities to do precisely what they said they want to do.”
Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser
Why it matters: The selection of Rep. Mike Waltz from Florida, a former Green Beret with a solid pro-Israel record, to lead the National Security Council reflects Trump’s commitment to continuing strong support for Israel in his second term, along with adopting a tougher stance on Iran.
What he’s said on Israel: Waltz, 53, has been critical of the Biden administration’s foreign policy, calling it one of “concession and chaos.” He has strongly backed Israel’s military actions in Gaza, praising the elimination of key Hezbollah leaders. Even before the Gaza conflict, Waltz had advocated for allowing Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear program. Last month, he suggested Israel target Kharg Island, a vital hub for Iran’s oil exports, and Iran’s Natanz nuclear facilities.
One of his key tasks: Waltz, a fervent supporter of expanding the Abraham Accords, will be central to talks with Saudi Arabia to advance Trump’s vision of regional peace and work towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Elise Stefanik, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
What it means for Israel: Stefanik, 40, brings significant national security experience and a bold, uncompromising approach to the U.N. during a pivotal time for Israel and the Middle East. As tensions rise over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and mounting international pressure to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Stefanik could become a powerful advocate for Israel. Recently, she called for cutting U.S. aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA), the primary provider of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
Her popularity among conservative Jews: Stefanik has garnered strong support within the Jewish and pro-Israel communities, particularly after she challenged the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania regarding whether campus calls for the genocide of Jews violated their institutions’ codes of conduct.
Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel
Why he got the job: Huckabee, 69, has earned the trust of both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A Baptist minister, Huckabee has visited Israel more than 100 times since his first trip in 1973. A loyal MAGA supporter, he is a staunch advocate for Israeli interests. His appointment is seen as a way to strengthen Netanyahu’s outreach to U.S. evangelicals, a group the Israeli prime minister has increasingly focused on over American Jews in recent years.
What he’s said on Israel: Huckabee has been a vocal supporter of Israel for years. After the October 7 attacks, he led a delegation of evangelical leaders to Israel, declaring, “Evangelicals stand with Israel.” In 2008, Huckabee controversially stated, “There’s really no such thing as a Palestinian.” He also viewed the occupied West Bank as “an integral part” of Israel during the 2016 Republican primary, and in 2017, he called the area “Judea and Samaria,” dismissing the term “West Bank” and rejecting the idea of settlements.
A supporter of annexation: In a radio interview after his appointment, Huckabee suggested that under a second Trump term, Israel may be given the go-ahead to annex the West Bank.
An unconventional pick: Traditionally, the role of U.S. Ambassador to Israel is filled by prominent Jewish donors, trusted Jewish officials, or seasoned diplomats. Huckabee would be the first non-Jewish ambassador since 2011, and the first in more than 40 years without prior diplomatic experience.
Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East
Why he was picked: At 67, Witkoff lacks formal diplomatic experience, but he has a long-established, trusted relationship with President Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Kushner played a key role in the first Trump administration’s peace efforts and the brokering of the Abraham Accords, and Witkoff brings a similar real estate negotiation approach that Trump values. He also served as a key liaison between the Trump campaign and the Jewish business community, especially after President Joe Biden paused the shipment of heavy weapons to Israel.
Relationship with Israel: Witkoff attended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress in July, which deeply resonated with him, particularly Netanyahu’s remarks about the hostages in Gaza—some of whom were present at the Capitol that day. Witkoff described the experience as “spiritual” and expressed disappointment over the lack of similar sentiment among many Democratic lawmakers, sharing his thoughts on Fox Business the following day.
Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce
Why he was picked: Lutnick, co-leader of Trump’s transition team, was initially considered for Treasury Secretary before being nominated to head the Commerce Department. He has been a key liaison between Trump and the business community, staunchly supporting the president-elect’s economic agenda, including the push to increase tariffs—despite concerns from some business leaders about its potential impact on the economy. During the election, Lutnick raised $75 million for Trump’s campaign, in addition to personally donating $10 million.
Lutnick is perhaps best known for his leadership of Cantor Fitzgerald in the aftermath of 9/11, when the financial services firm suffered the highest number of fatalities among any business in the terrorist attack.
Jewish ties: Lutnick has long been a supporter of Jewish causes. He is involved with organizations such as the Park Avenue Synagogue and the Synagogue of the Hamptons, where he serves as an honorary trustee. This year, he and his wife chaired United Hatzalah’s annual gala in New York, the first since the October 7 attacks, drawing a connection between his personal losses on 9/11 and the suffering caused by Hamas’ attack on Israel. Lutnick also accompanied Trump to the Ohel, the burial site of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, to honor the Orthodox Jewish community.
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary
His background: Bessent, 62, is known for his longstanding association with Jewish billionaire George Soros, having spent two decades as the Chief Investment Officer at Soros Fund Management. While Trump has previously alluded to antisemitic conspiracy theories involving Soros in his fundraising efforts, Bessent’s career is rooted in high-level financial strategy and management.
What he said about Iran: As Treasury Secretary, Bessent would oversee U.S. sanctions on Iran and other adversarial nations. In a recent interview, he supported Trump’s “maximum pressure” approach toward Iran, stating, “I say, let’s make America great again, and let’s make Iran broke again,” emphasizing his tough stance on the Iranian regime.
John Ratcliffe, CIA Director
What it means for Israel: Ratcliffe, 59, a former member of Congress from Texas and ex-director of national intelligence, has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration, accusing it of diverting critical U.S. intelligence resources from monitoring groups like Hamas. During the presidential campaign, he condemned Vice President Kamala Harris for promoting what he called a “false narrative” that depicted Israel as targeting innocent Palestinians in Gaza. Ratcliffe also supported the 2017 travel ban that restricted immigration from seven predominantly Muslim nations.
What he’s said on Iran: In a Fox News interview this year, Ratcliffe praised Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them a demonstration of the “Trump doctrine” of maximum pressure. He suggested that the U.S. should offer support to Israel in these military actions.
John Ratcliffe, CIA Director
What it means for Israel: Ratcliffe, 59, a former member of Congress from Texas and ex-director of national intelligence, has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration, accusing it of diverting critical U.S. intelligence resources from monitoring groups like Hamas. During the presidential campaign, he condemned Vice President Kamala Harris for promoting what he called a “false narrative” that depicted Israel as targeting innocent Palestinians in Gaza. Ratcliffe also supported the 2017 travel ban that restricted immigration from seven predominantly Muslim nations.
What he’s said on Iran: In a Fox News interview this year, Ratcliffe praised Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them a demonstration of the “Trump doctrine” of maximum pressure. He suggested that the U.S. should offer support to Israel in these military actions.
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Adviser
Jewish with Strong Nationalist Views: Miller, 39, known for his hardline stance on immigration, made headlines last month at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, stating, “America is for Americans and Americans only.” A key architect of the tough immigration policies during Trump’s first term, Miller played a major role in crafting the controversial policy of separating children from their undocumented parents. He was also behind the 2017 Muslim travel ban and reportedly sought to eliminate all refugee admissions to the U.S., effectively dismantling policies established after the Holocaust.
Condemned by Family and Classmates: Miller’s views have sparked condemnation from his Jewish family, many of whom are descendants of immigrants who fled pogroms. His uncle, Dr. David Glosser, a retired neuropsychologist, called him an “immigration hypocrite.” Additionally, his former rabbi likened Trump and Miller’s rhetoric to “ominous promises that Jews have heard throughout history.”
Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator
A Jewish MAGA Loyalist: Zeldin, 44, has built a strong relationship with Trump, particularly after voting against certifying the 2020 election results while serving as a congressman. During the campaign, Zeldin was a vocal Trump surrogate, strongly criticizing anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party. He defended Trump’s controversial remarks about Jews being responsible for the former president’s election loss and accused Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro of “trying to un-Jewish himself” in an attempt to secure a spot as Kamala Harris’ vice presidential candidate.
His Jewish Background: Zeldin, who is married to a Mormon, emphasized his Jewish roots to gain support from Orthodox voters during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign in New York. He is named after his great-grandfather, Moshe Efraim “Morris” Zeldin, an Orthodox rabbi and early Zionist movement leader in Brooklyn. Raised in Suffolk County, Long Island, Zeldin spent much time with his grandfather, Bernard Zeldin, who founded the Farmingdale Jewish Center. His mother, Merrill Schwartz, was a fourth-grade teacher at a yeshiva in Brooklyn.
Pam Bondi, Attorney General
Her Background: Bondi, 59, served as Florida’s attorney general and later joined Ballard Partners, a prominent Republican lobbying firm, in 2019. One of her clients was the government of Qatar, a Gulf state known for hosting Hamas leaders and facilitating a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. During her 2010 campaign for attorney general, Bondi’s Jewish opponent, Dan Gelber, accused her of running a smear campaign to undermine him among Jewish voters, a claim she consistently denied.
What it Means for Jews: As Attorney General, Bondi would oversee the prosecution of violent extremism and hate crimes. She has described antisemitism as “rampant” in the U.S. and expressed concern over the growing hostility toward Jews in the country. After a 2017 meeting between Trump and state attorneys general about rising antisemitic threats, Bondi stated, “I know firsthand President Trump cares deeply about our Jewish community and is extremely upset by these attacks.” If confirmed, Bondi would succeed Merrick Garland, a former federal judge of Jewish descent.
Her Views on Israel: Bondi has visited Israel “multiple times” and has criticized President Joe Biden for not advancing the Abraham Accords. In the wake of the October 7 attacks, Bondi suggested that federal authorities should take a tougher stance on pro-Palestinian protests at U.S. colleges, including revoking visas for non-citizen participants.
Kristi Noem, Homeland Security
What it Means for Jews: The Department of Homeland Security plays a crucial role in providing resources and guidance to houses of worship, including the Jewish community, through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Strong collaboration with Jewish leaders will be essential in addressing rising security concerns and threats. Earlier this year, Noem, 52, as governor of South Dakota, signed a bill into law that mandates the use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating discrimination claims.
Best Known For: Noem gained national attention earlier this year after her memoir revealed a controversial action that hindered her chances of being selected as Trump’s vice-presidential running mate. She disclosed that she had shot her hunting dog, a decision that sparked backlash, particularly as views against animal cruelty have been rooted in moral and religious teachings, including those found in the Talmud.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Department of Health and Human Services
What it Means for Jews: The 70-year-old political heir and vaccine skeptic has made controversial and troubling remarks in recent years. At an anti-vaccine rally, Kennedy likened vaccine and mask mandates to the Holocaust, drawing significant backlash. He also met with Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam in 2015 to discuss measles vaccines. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he was criticized by major Jewish organizations for promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories, including claiming that COVID-19 was an “ethnically targeted” bioweapon that spared Ashkenazi Jews. Kennedy defended his comments, stating that he had “literally never said an antisemitic word in my life.”
In 2020, Kennedy spoke at a rally attended by antisemitic and neo-Nazi groups. He also retracted his praise of Roger Waters, the former Pink Floyd frontman, after Waters faced backlash for using Holocaust imagery during his concerts.
What He’s Said: Kennedy has repeatedly insisted that he has “never said an antisemitic word in my life” and emphasized his commitment to Holocaust education, stating that he has spent a lifetime studying the Holocaust and has “many friends who are Holocaust survivors.”
Sebastian Gorka, Director of Counterterrorism at the NSC
Gorka, who served as a White House adviser during Trump’s first term, has been a controversial figure due to his past affiliations and rhetoric. Reportedly under consideration for deputy national security adviser, Gorka has faced scrutiny for previously swearing allegiance to a Hungarian neo-Nazi group, a connection that has sparked significant backlash.
In 2022, Gorka likened the FBI’s raid of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in the classified documents investigation to “Gestapo Stasi tactics,” drawing further criticism for his extreme language.
More recently, Gorka provoked controversy in an interview by asserting that “there is no such thing as Palestine.” He also stated that Trump’s success in brokering peace in the Middle East was due to ignoring the Palestinian Authority, accusing them of indoctrinating children with hatred toward Jews.
Other Appointments
- Will Scharf, a former prosecutor and Trump attorney, has been appointed White House staff secretary. Scharf, who is Jewish, previously lost a contentious Republican primary race for Missouri attorney general in August.
- Vivek Ramaswamy, 39, a biotech entrepreneur with no previous public office experience, has been named to an external government body called the Department of Government Efficiency. He will serve alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Ramaswamy has publicly questioned the continued necessity of U.S. military aid to Israel.
- Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who left the party to join the Republicans, has been nominated for director of national intelligence, raising concerns within the pro-Israel community due to her anti-war stance.
- Boris Epshteyn, a Jewish senior adviser to Trump since 2016, is likely to receive a position in the new administration. Epshteyn served as counsel during Trump’s hush money trial and remains a key figure in Trump’s circle. He has expressed interest in becoming the special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict and, as a Russian immigrant, has family members involved on both sides of the ongoing conflict.
- Rick Grenell, former ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence at the end of Trump’s first term, was on the short list for secretary of state. He may still land a significant role in the administration, with reports suggesting he could be appointed as special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Grenell played a major role in advancing sanctions against Iran and in the normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE. He was also instrumental in Trump’s outreach to Arab American and Muslim voters in Michigan during the presidential campaign.
- Kevin Warsh, an economic policy adviser during the George W. Bush administration and former Federal Reserve Board member, was a finalist for treasury secretary. There are reports that Trump is also considering Warsh for the position of Federal Reserve chair in 2026. Warsh is married to the daughter of Ronald Lauder, the cosmetics heir and president of the World Jewish Congress, who was an influential advisor to Trump during his first term.
- Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, is a candidate for a top economic role in the administration.
Outside Jewish Advisers and Key Figures with Access
- Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former Middle East adviser, has stated he will not return to the White House. However, he remains influential behind the scenes and could play a key role in any potential normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
- Massad Boulos, the Lebanese American father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, who led outreach to Arab-American communities during the election, is expected to serve as the point person for Lebanon and maintain significant influence on Trump regarding Middle East issues.
- David Friedman, Trump’s first ambassador to Israel, is eager to return to a national security position where he can shape Middle East policy and promote a pro-settlement agenda.
Key Jewish Influencers and Supporters
- David Sacks, a tech entrepreneur and long-time friend of Elon Musk, who bundled millions for Trump’s campaign, remains a key ally.
- John Paulson, a financier and Trump supporter, withdrew from consideration for the Treasury Secretary position due to personal financial obligations.
- Steve Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone, is expected to play an influential role in shaping antitrust policies and trade regulations, providing advice on potential administration roles.
- Wayne Berman, head of global government affairs at Blackstone and a board member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, has been suggested as a possible deputy secretary of the Treasury.
- Miriam Adelson, widow of the late GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson, who contributed over $100 million to Trump’s campaigns, continues to be a prominent figure in GOP circles.
- Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, played a significant role in increasing Jewish voter support for Trump, with a $15 million investment in outreach efforts.
- Elan Carr, CEO of the Israeli American Council and former antisemitism envoy during Trump’s first term, remains an influential figure in Jewish outreach.
- Jeff Miller, from Miller Strategies, was one of Trump’s top fundraisers.
- Arthur Schwartz, a longtime political adviser to Donald Trump Jr., has connections with Vice President-elect JD Vance and is seen as a behind-the-scenes operator.
- Bill Ackman, a hedge fund billionaire, has been vocal in his criticism of the pro-Palestinian protest movement at Harvard and the university’s handling of antisemitism issues. He’s also opposed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Ike Perlmutter, a former Marvel executive and Mar-a-Lago member, was influential in shaping veterans’ affairs policy during Trump’s first term.
- Steve Wynn, a Las Vegas casino mogul and close Trump ally, played an advisory role during the campaign, warning Trump to stay on message.
- Paul Packer, former chair of the Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, co-chaired the Trump campaign’s Jewish Leadership Coalition, a key fundraising group.
- Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County’s first Jewish executive and a close Trump ally, is considered for a role in the administration.
- Sid Rosenberg, a conservative New York-based radio host, was one of Trump’s most vocal Jewish surrogates.
- Yehuda Kaploun played a role in Trump’s outreach efforts to Orthodox Jewish leaders during the campaign.
- Laura Loomer, a controversial figure and conspiracy theorist who used her Jewish identity to attack political opponents, has been closely associated with Trump.
Other Influencers Linked to Controversial Views
- Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Charlie Kirk, who have been criticized for promoting antisemitic tropes and associating with white nationalist groups, also maintain close ties to Trump’s circle.
