Trump hints at cabinet choices and potential 2028 run

Donald Trump said he would run again in four years if he lost this year's presidential election. In building his cabinet, the former U.S. president mentioned that he has not yet made any agreements with anyone. "It’s too early, but it’s getting to be that time," stated the Republican candidate. However, he did not rule out the possibility of appointing a few people, such as Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or Tulsi Gabbard, on whom Trump places particular emphasis.

Host Sharyl Attkisson on her program "Full Measure" asked Donald Trump if he sees himself running again in four years if his attempt in this year's election fails. "No, I think that that will be, that will be it. I don’t see that at all," the Republican candidate replied.

"I think that hopefully we’re going to be successful," added Trump referring to this year's election.

The journalist also asked if former Republican Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii, Elon Musk, or former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would be appointed to cabinet positions if he won the election. Trump did not rule out any of the names.

According to Trump, Kennedy, who withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed the Republican candidate, would be "great on health and on the environment." Trump was asked whether this meant that Kennedy would become the head of the Department of Health and Human Services in his cabinet. "It doesn’t mean anything," he replied, emphasizing that he has not made any agreements with anyone regarding potential cabinet nominations. "It’s too early, but it’s getting to be that time, wouldn’t you think?" he asked the journalist.

There was also talk about Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman who ran in the Democratic primaries in 2020. In 2022, she left the Democratic party. On August 27, 2024, Gabbard was appointed honorary co-chair of the presidential power transfer team to Donald Trump. The Republican candidate stated that she "has always been good from the standpoint of common sense."

"She’s like a commonsense person. I’ve watched her for a long time on shows. I’ve known her a little bit, and was a great honor when we got her," said Trump. "She’s, you’re right, she was a Democrat and popular too in Hawaii. And she will be, she will be terrific," he added.

Trump pointed out that Musk has "very powerfully" supported him and agreed that the billionaire could help with "government waste." "He feels this is the most important election we’ve ever had. And as you know, he probably has a couple of other things to do. But he’s indicating he might be willing to," Trump replied.

The Republican candidate also said he often talks with Musk about finances.

"The thing that we talk about more than anything else is exactly that, it’s costs. He's a big cost cutter. He is always been very good at it and I'm good at it," he pointed out.

After Elon Musk announced his support for Trump, the former U.S. president said he wouldn't expect the billionaire to serve in his cabinet if he wins. He explained that Musk has professional commitments as the head of various companies but floated the idea that he could "consult with the country and give you some very good ideas."

At the same time, Trump said he would adopt Musk's plan regarding a government efficiency commission to reduce federal spending. Musk reportedly agreed to head the commission "if he has time."