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Trump's administration - melting pot of political players

American politics

On stage to celebrate Donald Trump’s election win were several of the faces we may be getting to know shortly as key players in the administration of America’s 45th president.

One of the most prominent among them was the former mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani, who rose to national prominence after 9-11. He toyed with running for the presidency himself before joining Team Trump, and as reward for his loyal campaigning he may land the Attorney General’s job.

Veteran Newt Gingrich, the nemesis of the Clintons in the 1990s, is being touted as Secretary of State, while Stephen Hadley, who was National Security Advisor for George W. Bush, is thought to be the pick for Defence Secretary.

One face who needs little introduction is the woman picked as Vice-Presidential running mate during John McCain’s failed bid for the White House in 2008. Tea partier-in-chief Sarah Palin may become Secretary of the Interior.

Former rival to Donald Trump in the Republican race Ben Carson has been suggested as Education Secretary, but he is a creationist who challenges the concept of evolution, which may compromise his chances of getting the job.

However by far the most controversial figure is a man who already has a key position as Head of Strategy in the White House, former banker and ultra-right conspiracy theorist behind the Breitbart digital media concern Stephen Bannon, who has links with various extremist white nationalist and anti-semitic groups.