Trump’s Second Administration: A Snapshot of Diversity and Media Influence

WASHINGTON — Sixteen women, 12 TV and news media personalities, 10 immigrants, and a former NFL football player are among the first 100 individuals President-elect Donald Trump has named to his upcoming administration. The Hearst Television Data Team analyzed the initial 100 appointments announced on Trump’s Truth Social account, revealing significant disparities in race and gender representation compared to the U.S. population.

White individuals are overrepresented, making up 87% of Trump’s first picks, despite comprising only 58% of the U.S. population. Only one Black person, former NFL player Scott Turner, has been named to a key role as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Hispanic and Latino individuals are also underrepresented, while Asian/Pacific Islander representation aligns with national demographics. Women account for just 16% of Trump’s initial appointments, far below their 50% share of the U.S. population.

The administration’s diversity extends to birthplaces, with members hailing from at least 25 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa. Notably, Tulsi Gabbard, the National Intelligence Director nominee, was born in American Samoa. Ten immigrants, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, are also part of the team. Musk will co-lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

Age distribution among Trump’s appointees forms a near-perfect bell curve, ranging from 27-year-old Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff for communications, to 80-year-old Keith Kellogg, special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. At least four LGBTQ+ individuals are among the first 100 picks, closely matching the 7.6% of U.S. adults who identify as LGBTQ+.

Media personalities feature prominently in Trump’s administration, with 12 former TV stars and news contributors securing top roles. Pete Hegseth, a former co-host of “Fox & Friends,” is nominated for Secretary of Defense, while Mehmet Oz, host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” is tapped to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

As the Senate prepares to confirm key nominees, including Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, the administration’s composition reflects Trump’s priorities and the influence of media figures in his inner circle. The confirmation process, however, remains ongoing, with many nominees awaiting Senate approval.