Donald Trump's cabinet: A closer look at the new President's team

Donald Trump has almost completed his selections to lead his government departments. Credit: Reuters/ Lucas Jackson/File Photo

President-elect Donald Trump has almost completed his selections to lead his government departments.

Here's how the cabinet looks so far.

  • Secretary of State - Rex Tillerson

Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson was hailed by Mr Trump as one of the "most accomplished business leaders and international deal makers in world" as he appointed him as the nation's top diplomat.

Mr Tillerson, 64, who has close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin, said he shared Mr Trump's "vision for restoring the credibility of the United States' foreign relations and advancing our country's national security".

  • Attorney General - Jeff Sessions

Mr Trump has selected 69-year-old Jeff Sessions - one of his earliest supporters - to head up the department for justice.

The Alabama senator is known for his hard stance on immigration and has previously questioned whether terrorist suspects should benefit from the rights available in US courts.

Retired general James Mattis is nicknamed 'Mad Dog'. Credit: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
  • Secretary of Defence - James Mattis

Retired general James Mattis, 66, nicknamed "Mad Dog", left the Marine Corps three years ago.

His appointment has raised concerns over whether a recent service member would rely on military solutions, rather than a diplomatic approach, to international problems.

Congress will have to approve legislation by-passing a law that bars retired military officers from becoming defence secretary within seven years of leaving active duty before Mr Mattis can be confirmed as defence secretary.

  • Secretary of Energy - Rick Perry

Former Texas governor Rick Perry, 66, will lead the energy department, despite previously calling the president-elect a "cancer to conservatism".

Mr Perry then went on to support Mr Trump.

Himself a two-time presidential candidate, he once struggled in a debate to remember the third of three federal agencies he promised to eliminate if elected. He forgot the energy department.

Betsy DeVos (r) will lead the education department. Credit: Reuters/Mike Segar
  • Secretary of Education - Betsy DeVos

Charter school advocate Betsy DeVos, 58, from West Michigan, will lead the education department.

The Republican donor is known for promoting the publicly-funded independent schools and school vouchers, but has less of a track record on higher education.

  • Secretary of Homeland Security - John Kelly

John Kelly, the former head of US Southern Command, has a "unique insight into some of the challenges the United States faces at its southern border", Mr Trump's transition team said as they announced his appointment.

The 66-year-old retired general served in both the Gulf and Iraq wars.

  • Secretary of Treasury - Steven Mnuchin

Former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin, 53, will play a central role in shaping Mr Trump's tax policies and infrastructure plans as he heads up the treasury.

He led the president-elect's finance operations during his campaign, but has no government experience.

Ben Carson will lead the housing and urban development department. Credit: Reuters/Shannon Stapleton
  • Secretary of Housing and Urban Development - Ben Carson

Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and former Republican presidential candidate, has no background in government but is set to lead the housing and urban development department.

The president-elect praised Mr Carson's passion about "strengthening communities and families within those communities" and his "brilliant mind".

During the primaries Mr Trump said his then Republican rival had a "pathological temper", yet Mr Carson soon endorsed Mr Trump when he dropped out of the contest.

  • Secretary of the Interior - Ryan Zinke

Ryan Zinke addresses a pro-gun rally in 2013. Credit: Reuters

Montana Congressman and former Nazy SEAL Ryan Zinke will head in the Interior Department in Donald Trump's administration.

The department employs more than 70,000 people across the US, and oversees more than 20% of federal land, including some national parks.