Almost immediately after it became clear that Donald Trump was re-elected to the presidency of the United States, from Tuesday night already the phones began to ring in the context of the processes for the selection of persons to be included in his government.

In fact, the initially silent discussions, as reported by CNN, had now turned into a battle of claim during the gathering on the patio of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. At almost every table, the conversations were heated up.

Robert F. Kennedy, Donald Trump, Tulsi Gabbard, Tom Barrack and the president-elect’s transition team chiefs Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon were seen chatting at the club earlier Wednesday. Trump spent part of the day reviewing names that Lutnick had listed in the months leading up to the election, though it is uncertain whether Trump will rely solely on his suggestions.

Already, those vying for top office have found themselves in a race to forge alliances to secure a place in the Trump administration. Several have even booked flights to Florida for the chance to meet Trump in person in the coming days, when many of the decisions are expected to be made.

As he narrows his options, Trump has already crossed several names off the list, according to several people familiar with the chaotic but aggressive process underway.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference for New York’s 21st district, is tipped to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations.

At the same time, one of the biggest battles for the position of White House chief of staff unfolded in the background, which ended with the appointment of Trump’s campaign manager, Susie Wiles. Wiles is widely credited with running the campaign successfully and disciplinedly.

Trump

Trump this time decided to move quickly to appoint a White House chief of staff than he did in 2016 during a chaotic transition, when he waited until next Sunday to appoint Reince Priebus to replace him. Having a chief of staff would allow for a center of authority that stakeholders could turn to instead of calling Trump directly.

However, one person noted that Trump himself has been calling people he wants to see for key positions in recent days.

From time to time in recent months, Trump has floated names as possible administration picks, but has not elaborated further. Sources close to the former president said that because he is cautious, Trump has often refused to engage in longer discussions about who will join the administration before the election.

As he beefs up his staff, Trump is eager to reward those who have stood by him over the past two years, and has made it clear in recent private conversations that he will seek to install those who have — even if their views don’t necessarily align with his own. his own.