President-elect Donald J. Trump’s cabinet nominations began rolling out in mid-November. Developing relationships with executive branch officials is a key part of AEM’s strategy with any new administration. These positions shape policies and action that could present opportunities and challenges for the equipment manufacturing industry and the sectors it supports.
A month after the election, here are the ones AEM is watching closely.
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Brooke Rollins served in the first Trump administration as director of the Domestic Policy Council and has led a Trump-aligned think tank for the past several years. This leaves her very well-versed in his viewpoints and someone who can be counted on to steadfastly pursue his agriculture and rural American policy agenda. Her rural Texas roots and involvement in Future Farmers of America and 4-H are seen as assets if she is confirmed.
Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC): Howard Lutnick was tapped to lead the department that is charge of bolstering U.S. global competitiveness. If confirmed, he is expected to dutifully and vigorously implement President-elect Trump’s proposals on tariffs. AEM will be monitoring these proposals and proactively educating Mr. Lutnick on how tariffs and other trade restrictive measures will have dire consequences for equipment manufacturers in the U.S., including higher costs, disrupted supply chains, and reduced market access.
Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): Outgoing U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez DeRemer (R-Ore.) is no stranger to the equipment manufacturing industry and AEM. She brings an interesting perspective to the role, arguably being one of the most pro-labor Republicans in the House. She toured CONEXPO-CON/AGG in 2023, as well as the Celebration of Construction on the Mall that same year. She is supportive of several policy updates that would build the next generation of workers for the equipment manufacturing industry.
Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – Former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wisc.) hails from AEM’s home state and by extension, has a familiarity with the equipment manufacturing industry. If confirmed, he will play a key role in reauthorizing a new highway bill and assume oversight of funds still not allocated under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (which expires in 2026). Mr. Duffy could also be looked on to ease regulatory burdens currently facing the transportation construction industry.
Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N) is being tapped to significantly roll back recent regulatory moves made by EPA around climate change and energy production. He will also be expected to serve as a check on environmental standards coming out of California. Mr. Zeldin has a history of working across the aisle and approaching climate-related policy issues with a moderate and balanced lens.
Ambassador, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) - Jamieson Greer is no stranger to the role of USTR, having served as chief of staff to former Trump administration USTR Robert Lighthizer. AEM anticipates that his approach to tariffs will mirror that of President-elect Trump and DOC nominee Howard Lutnick.
AEM has issued congratulatory statements for several nominees and will be weighing in with Senate stakeholders as the nominating process for each gets underway in 2025. AEM is proactively in touch with President-elect Trump’s transition team and directly with several of the nominees to ensure they are briefed on our policy priorities and ensure equipment manufacturers are top of mind.
For more industry insights, subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor.
