Overview

• President Trump has appointed 31 acting leaders across federal agencies to ensure continuity as his second term begins.
• Lisa Kenna will serve briefly as acting secretary of state, with Marco Rubio expected to be confirmed for the role imminently.
• Robert Salesses, a decorated Marine Corps veteran, is acting defense secretary while Pete Hegseth awaits a Senate vote despite controversy surrounding his nomination.
• James McHenry has been named acting attorney general, filling the role as Pam Bondi progresses through the confirmation process.
• Several of Trump’s permanent nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health and human services, face contentious confirmation battles.