Trump’s cabinet picks say something about how he’ll lead

World Today

Donald TrumpPresident-elect Donald Trump listens to a question as he speaks to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

In just over two weeks, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the next U.S. President.

He has nearly completed nominating the 21 people who will lead key government departments.

So, what do those people tell us about the way he’ll govern?

CGTN’s Jessica Stone takes a closer look.

As Donald Trump prepares to trade Trump Tower for the White House, the incoming U.S. president is already telling the world something about how he’ll lead. Just take a look at his cabinet picks to lead government agencies.

On foreign policy, Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson is his choice for Secretary of State. Tillerson has close ties to the Kremlin and is on record as saying he doesn’t believe that economic sanctions work.

On environmental policy, Trump chose Scott Pruitt, a close ally of the fossil fuel industry.

On Treasury policy, Trump selected Steven Mnuchin, a former Wall Street executive, who will oversee the very industry that previously employed him.

On health policy, Trump picked the same congressman, Tom Price, who led the charge to dismantle President Barack Obama’s signature national health care plan.

And to lead the Defense Department is the retired General James Mattis, who has referred to China as a bully in the South China Sea and called for a naval buildup to counter Beijing’s influence.

Mattis also wants to contain Moscow’s influence in Europe.

But between these Cabinet appointees and the White House, lies approval from Capitol Hill.

And while some like Tillerson will face intense scrutiny from both parties, key Democratic lawmakers have also signaled they want to slow confirmation for at least eight of Trump’s nominees.

New York Senator, Chuck Schumer tweeted that he’ll demand financial statements from all appointees before consideration. Keep in mind, some are millionaires.

Trump has stacked his team with differing points of view. For example, when it comes to Russia and China, he has both doves and hawks, but many more of his picks signal a reversal of the policies under the Obama presidency.