Trump appoints border tsar, UN ambassador Elise Stefanik

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US President-elect Donald Trump has announced two significant appointments ahead of his return to the White House in January.

Tom Homan, 62, has been appointed as Trump’s “border tsar.” Homan, who previously served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will play a pivotal role in overseeing immigration policies.

Additionally, New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, 40, has been named as the new ambassador to the United Nations, as confirmed in statements to the New York Post.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party is nearing full control of the US Congress. The party already holds a majority in the Senate and is just a few seats away from taking control of the House of Representatives.

To secure a majority in the House, a party needs 218 seats. Republicans currently have 215 seats, while Democrats hold 210, according to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.

Control of the House allows a party to initiate spending bills and launch impeachment proceedings against officials.

Gaining a majority in both the House and Senate would enhance Trump’s ability to push his legislative agenda, compared to a situation where Democrats control either or both chambers.

As these developments unfold, attention is turning to the appointments Trump will make for his administration.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Homan would be “in charge of our Nation’s Borders (“The Border Czar”), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security”.

He continued: “Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”

One of Trump’s major campaign pledges was to deport immigrants who are in the US illegally.

Trump’s pick of Stefanik for ambassador to the UN was made in a statement to the New York Post. She confirmed her acceptance of the role to the same newspaper, saying she was “truly honoured”.

“During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate,” she said.

An official announcement has not yet been made but is anticipated soon.

Earlier, Trump appointed Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, praising her for her composure in his election victory speech, where he referred to her as “the ice maiden.”

Other potential candidates for key administration roles include billionaire Elon Musk, the owner of X, who played a significant role in Trump’s campaign, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran his own presidential campaign before endorsing Trump.

There is speculation that Florida Senator Rick Scott may be in line to become Senate majority leader, having garnered support from Musk and others.

Trump has also stated that Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo, both of whom served in his first administration, will not be offered new positions.