Trump 2.0: List of Indian-Americans in Trump Administration

The inclusion of these accomplished Indian-Americans in Trump 2.0 underscores their growing influence in US governance.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his swearing-in ceremony on January 20, he is laying the groundwork for his second administration. Key appointments are shaping the contours of Trump 2.0, marked by a strong focus on defence, immigration, and economic reforms.

Notably, several Indian-Americans have been chosen for prominent positions, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with India and recognising the contributions of the Indian-American community. Here’s a closer look at the Indian-Americans playing pivotal roles in the new Trump administration.

Harmeet Dhillon: Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice

Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, 54, has been named Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice, a testament to her formidable legal expertise. Born in Chandigarh, Punjab, Dhillon moved to the US at the age of two and grew up in North Carolina in a Sikh household. A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia School of Law, she built a distinguished career in litigation and constitutional law, including working as a clerk for Judge Paul V. Niemeyer and serving in the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

Dhillon later founded her legal practice in San Francisco, earning recognition as a trailblazer in the Republican Party. As the former vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party and the first Indian-American to speak at a GOP Convention in 2016, Dhillon’s appointment signifies the administration’s focus on legal expertise and diversity.

Usha Vance: Second Lady of the United States

Usha Chilukuri Vance, wife of Vice President-elect JD Vance, is set to become the first Indian-origin Second Lady of the United States. Raised in San Diego by Indian immigrant parents from Andhra Pradesh, Usha exemplifies the blend of Indian values and American ideals. A Yale Law School alumna, Usha is a practising litigator known for her academic brilliance. She met JD Vance at Yale, and the couple married in a ceremony that embraced both Indian and American traditions.

Usha’s role as Second Lady reflects the increasing visibility of Indian-American culture in the highest echelons of American governance.

Dr Jay Bhattacharya: Director, National Institutes of Health

Kolkata-born Dr Jayanta “Jay” Bhattacharya has been appointed Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leading the country’s foremost medical research institution with an annual budget of $47.3 billion. A Stanford University professor and health policy expert, Dr Bhattacharya is known for his stance on individual liberty during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he criticised harsh restrictions and championed targeted protection policies.

With his deep academic credentials and advocacy for balanced health policies, Dr Bhattacharya’s leadership at the NIH promises innovation and a pragmatic approach to public health challenges.

Kashyap Patel: Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Kashyap Kash Patel, a former federal prosecutor, has been appointed as the Director of the FBI. Born in New York to a family of Indian origin from Gujarat, Patel grew up in a family that immigrated from Uganda during the 1970s. A graduate of the University of Richmond with additional training in international law, Patel has extensive experience in national security and intelligence reform.

During Trump’s first term, Patel emerged as a trusted advisor, contributing significantly to intelligence and security initiatives. His leadership at the FBI highlights the administration’s focus on robust national security.

Vivek Ramaswamy: Head of the Department of Government Efficiency

Biotech entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy has been appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly formed advisory body aimed at reducing bureaucracy and streamlining government operations. Partnering with Elon Musk, Ramaswamy will focus on curbing federal spending and modernising agencies.

Raised in Ohio by Indian immigrant parents from Kerala, the 39-year-old Harvard and Yale alumnus brings a fresh perspective to governance. Ramaswamy’s appointment signals the administration’s push for innovation and efficiency.

Tulsi Gabbard: Director of National Intelligence

Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been named Director of National Intelligence. The first Hindu member of Congress, Gabbard served four terms and ran for president in 2020. A military veteran with three deployments to the Middle East and Africa, she recently switched allegiance to the Republican Party.

Gabbard’s experience in foreign policy and intelligence makes her a strategic choice for overseeing America’s intelligence community, reflecting Trump’s emphasis on a robust and cohesive national security framework.

The inclusion of these accomplished Indian-Americans in Trump 2.0 underscores their growing influence in US governance. Their diverse backgrounds, professional expertise, and dedication to public service promise to shape a dynamic and forward-looking administration. As the new term unfolds, these leaders are poised to play crucial roles in addressing the challenges and opportunities of the coming years.

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