Donald Trump’s second-term Cabinet isn’t just packed with conservatives — it’s stacked with people who used to sing his praises on Fox News. Former hosts, contributors, and TV personalities who spent years defending him on-air have been rewarded with some of the most powerful jobs in the country.
Their main qualification? Loyalty to Trump — not public service, not expertise. Just unflinching, televised devotion.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C.
Jeanine Pirro spent over a decade yelling on Fox News in defense of Donald Trump. Her fiery rants on The Five helped turn her into a MAGA icon — and a favorite of the former president.
In 2019, when she questioned Rep. Ilhan Omar’s loyalty to the U.S., Fox suspended her. Trump jumped in and demanded she be reinstated. Now, he’s handed her one of the most important prosecutorial jobs in America.
“Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position and is considered one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “She is in a class by herself.”
Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth used his time on Fox & Friends to trash the military’s leadership, mock “wokeness,” and praise Trump’s foreign policy. It worked. Despite a trail of personal controversies, including accusations of misconduct, Trump gave him the keys to the Pentagon.
Even after Hegseth was caught discussing a military operation in a chat that accidentally included a journalist, Trump didn’t flinch. Loyalty matters more than judgment.
Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary
Former MTV reality star. Former congressman. Frequent Fox Business commentator. Sean Duffy has worn a lot of hats — and now he wears one more: head of the Department of Transportation. Why? Because he gushed over Trump on cable TV.
His actual transportation experience? Basically none. But he had a camera-ready smile and the right soundbites.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
Once a Democrat from Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard reinvented herself on Fox News. She spent the 2024 election cycle bashing her former party and defending Trump — and in return, he handed her control of the U.S. intelligence community.
She now warns of “politically motivated leaks” and claims she’s cleaning up a system she once blamed for targeting Trump. “Politically motivated leaks undermine our national security,” she said in March.
Dan Bongino, FBI Deputy Director
Dan Bongino made his name attacking the same agency he now helps run. A former Secret Service agent turned Fox News regular, Bongino was a firehose of pro-Trump content and deep-state conspiracies.
Even after Fox canceled his show, Trump kept watching. Bongino got the job.
“Trust absolutely NOTHING emanating from the DOJ or FBI that even remotely whiffs of politics,” he wrote right before Trump’s 2024 win.
Tom Homan, Border Czar
If there’s one person on Fox who never backed down from Trump’s most extreme immigration policies, it’s Tom Homan. He told 60 Minutes that immigrant families “can be deported together” and endorsed Trump’s idea to use Alcatraz to house detainees: “We need beds.”
That kind of talk gets noticed — and rewarded.
Lara Trump, RNC Chair
Lara Trump is the bridge between Trump’s inner circle and Fox News. She’s been a contributor, campaign operative, RNC co-chair, and now a Fox weekend host. Her show gives Fox exclusive access to Trump’s family — and gives Trump free airtime in return.
“Remember, Lara Trump opens her big new show tonight on Fox News,” the president posted. “She really is an amazing person.”
The message from Trump is loud and clear: defend me on Fox, and I’ll give you power. Experience is optional. Expertise is negotiable. But if you clap loud enough on TV, there might be a Cabinet seat with your name on it.
