Trump builds power team for Treasury, diplomacy ahead of inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump is assembling a powerhouse team for his Treasury Department and unveiling new ambassadors to Europe, signalling his plans for bold economic policies and diplomatic influence.

In a flurry of Truth Social posts on January 2, Trump detailed his picks to support Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Caliber.Az reports referencing foreign media.

Ken Kies will take the role of assistant secretary for tax policy. With nearly 50 years of experience and a past as chief of staff for Congress’s Joint Committee on Taxation, Kies is expected to bring heavyweight expertise to tax reform.

Alexandra Preate steps in as senior counsel to Bessent. Trump highlighted her deep connections to economic heavyweights like Larry Kudlow, Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, and Stephen Moore.

As director of policy planning, Hunter McMaster has been tapped to craft and oversee strategic initiatives.

Daniel Katz, a senior fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute, will serve as chief of staff. Katz, who previously advised the Treasury, will have two deputies:

• Samantha Schwab, a veteran of Trump’s first administration and the granddaughter of billionaire Charles Schwab.
• Cora Alvi, who managed national fundraising as deputy finance director for Trump’s presidential campaign.

Trump praised his Treasury picks as “incredible, hardworking Patriots, who will work tirelessly to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”

Alongside his economic team, Trump introduced his picks for key ambassadorial roles:

Benjamin Leon Jr., a Cuban-American healthcare mogul and major Trump donor, is Trump’s choice for US ambassador to Spain. Leon donated over $2 million to Trump’s campaign efforts, showing strong financial backing for the president-elect.

For the Netherlands, Trump tapped Joe Popolo Jr., CEO of private equity firm Charles & Potomac Capital. Trump praised Popolo as a “successful businessman and philanthropist” who transformed Freeman Company into a global leader in live events.

By Tamilla Hasanova