President-elect Donald Trump is in the final stages of assembling his cabinet, which has stirred significant domestic and international concerns.
Although US foreign policy may no longer prioritize Pakistan, Islamabad and Rawalpindi officials vigilantly monitor Trump’s appointments to critical ministerial roles.
Trump has announced his choices for secretary of state, defense secretary, national security advisor, and CIA director—positions of global relevance, including for Pakistan.
Key Figures in Trump’s Cabinet
Trump’s cabinet will include high-profile individuals like Elon Musk and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth.
However, Pakistan is particularly alarmed by appointees known for their provocative statements about Pakistan and India.
Trump has chosen Senator Marco Rubio, a former critic and recognized foreign policy authority, as secretary of state. In July, Rubio proposed the US-India Defense Cooperation Act, which supports India over Pakistan and aims to bolster Indo-US defense ties to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.
The act would enhance security assistance to India and foster cooperation in defense and technology, equating India with key allies like Japan and Israel. It also requires a congressional report on Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism against India, potentially leading to a cessation of US security aid to Pakistan if such claims are substantiated.
Rubio is also an outspoken critic of Iran and China and a supporter of Israeli actions in Gaza.
Trump’s national security advisor will be Mike Waltz, who views Pakistan negatively and advocates for increased pressure on Pakistan regarding cross-border terrorism. Waltz’s military background includes deployments to Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa.
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat, has been selected as the director of US National Intelligence, overseeing 18 security agencies. Her support for India during the 2019 Balakot incident and criticism of Pakistan for allegedly harbouring Osama bin Laden may also concern Pakistan.
John Ratcliffe, appointed as CIA director, is known for his tough stance on Iran and China and will play a crucial role in US counter-terrorism efforts, which involve frequent interactions with Pakistani authorities.
Pakistan is willing to cooperate with Trump’s administration and seeks to foster peace globally. Last week, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir emphasized Pakistan’s neutral stance in global conflicts, aiming to ensure a productive relationship with the US.
