TRUMP’S NOMINEESMr Donald Trump ran for the White House as an outsider, but he’s putting together an administration that is likely to be the most �ercely conservative in decades. Alongside decorated generals, several billionaires are on board, leading to questions of whether Mr Trump has abandoned his campaign promise to “drain the swamp”. What’s more, some of the choices are controversial and may face an uphill con�rmation battle on Capitol Hill from Democrats as well as Republicans. While a few more seats remain to be �lled, here’s a look at the key players in Mr Trump’s administration.

CABINET MEMBERS

OTHER AIDES

Andrew PuzderAge: 66Post offered: Labour Secretary Experience/background: He is the chief executive of a fast-food company and is an opponent of raising the minimum wage.Net worth: Unknown

Michael PenceAge: 57Post: Vice-President Experience/background: The head of Mr Trump’s transition team is a Washington insider and was elected along with Mr Trump in the Nov 8 election. Net worth: US$211,510

Tom PriceAge: 62Post offered: Health and Human Services Secretary Experience/background: A congressman from Georgia, the orthopaedic surgeon is a critic of Obamacare. Net worth: US$13.6 million

Rex TillersonAge: 64Post offered: Secretary of State Experience/background: The chief executive of ExxonMobil has been with the company since 1975 and is said to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.Net worth: Unknown

Dr Ben CarsonAge: 65Post offered: Housing and Urban Development Secretary Experience/background: The retired neurosurgeon was a Republican presidential candidate who endorsed Mr Trump after dropping out of the primary race. Net worth: US$26 million

Steve BannonAge: 63Post offered: Chief Strategist and Senior CounsellorExperience/background: Best known as the chief executive of Breitbart News, a website embraced by America’s far-right. Net worth: US$10 million

Michael T. FlynnAge: 58Post offered: National Security AdviserExperience/background: A top advisor during the Trump campaign, the former general has repeatedly warned of the threat posed by Islamic terrorism. Net worth: Unknown

Gary CohnAge: 56Post offered: Director of National Economic CouncilExperience/background: The Goldman Sachs president and COO will be Mr Trump’s top economic adviser. Net worth: Unknown

Steven MnuchinAge: 53Post offered: Treasury SecretaryExperience/background: A former Goldman Sachs executive, hedge fund executive and Hollywood producer, he was Mr Trump’s campaign �nance director.Net worth: US$46 million

Elaine ChaoAge: 63Post offered: Transportation Secretary Experience/background: Ms Chao had served as Labour Secretary in the George W. Bush administration and is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Net worth: US$16.9 million

Reince PriebusAge: 44Post offered: White House Chief of StaffExperience/background: The Chairman of the Republican National Committee was a staunch supporter of Mr Trump’s presidential campaign.Net worth: Unknown

James MattisAge: 66Post offered: Secretary of DefenceExperience/background: A retired United States Marine Corps general nicknamed “Mad Dog”, he served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is sharply critical of Iran.Net worth: Unknown

Betsy DeVosAge: 58Post offered: Education Secretary Experience/background: The Republican from Michigan is a big Republican donor and a supporter of a voucher programme that gives families taxpayer dollars to pay for education at private and religious schools.Estimated family wealth: US$5.1 billion

Nikki HaleyAge: 44Post offered: Ambassador to the United NationsExperience/background: The South Carolina Governor, the daughter of Indian immigrants, has no previous foreign policy experience. Net worth: Unknown

Jeff SessionsAge: 69Post offered: Attorney-General Experience/background: The senator from Alabama was once blocked from becoming a judge over alleged racist comments.Net worth: US$7.5 million

John KellyAge: 66Post offered: Secretary of Homeland Security Experience/background: A retired United States Marine Corps general, he was in charge of American military operations in Latin America, including Guantanamo Bay prison.Net worth: Unknown

Scott PruittAge: 48Post offered: Administrator of the Environmental Protection AgencyExperience/background: He is a climate change sceptic and has made no secret of his disdain for the EPA. Net worth: Unknown

Wilbur RossAge: 79Post offered: Commerce SecretaryExperience/background: Mr Ross is the 232nd wealthiest man in America, according to Forbes, and is known for restructuring distressed companies.Net worth: US$2.9 billion

Sources: CENTRE FOR RESPONSIVE POLITICS, NYTIMES, NBC NEWS Photos: AFP, REUTERS, BLOOMBERG, EPA STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS