Trump Rebuilds Homeland Security Team with Familiar Faces
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled the latest lineup for his Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), featuring a controversial but familiar name: Rudy Giuliani.
The appointment of Giuliani — Trump’s personal attorney, longtime loyalist, and one of the most polarizing figures in American politics — instantly drew headlines and divided opinions. The move signals Trump’s intention to further consolidate loyalty within national security policymaking while promoting his “America First” agenda in the early days of his renewed administration.
“This new-look, America First HSAC will draw upon a deep well of public and private sector experience,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who co-announced the appointments with Trump.
Who’s In: Key Names on Trump’s HSAC
The Homeland Security Advisory Council, an internal body designed to provide independent policy recommendations and strategic advice on national security issues, has been filled with a cast of Trump allies and conservative figures, including:
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Rudy Giuliani – Former New York mayor and Trump’s ex-attorney
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Mark Levin – Conservative talk show host and political commentator
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Henry McMaster – Governor of South Carolina, appointed council chair
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Joseph Gruters – Florida State Senator, appointed vice chair
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Corey Lewandowski – Former Trump 2016 campaign manager, close adviser to Noem
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Chris Cox – Founder of the biker-themed political group “Bikers for Trump”
This revamped council is expected to reflect a shift in tone from traditional bipartisan advisory boards to one more ideologically aligned with Trump’s base.
The Giuliani Factor: Scandal to Strategy
Perhaps the most polarizing name on the list, Giuliani has had a dramatic political arc.
Once revered as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership following 9/11, his legacy was drastically reshaped by his role in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Giuliani became a central figure in propagating election conspiracy theories, leading to multiple legal setbacks:
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Disbarred in New York (2024) after a court determined he had repeatedly misled the public with false election claims.
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Lost a defamation case brought by two Georgia election workers, resulting in a massive judgment and further financial woes.
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Suspended from practicing law for unethical conduct related to his election litigation strategies.
Despite these scandals, Giuliani has remained an outspoken supporter of Trump and played a vocal role in the 2024 campaign, often appearing at rallies and speaking engagements.
“Rudy loved being in the fight — and now he’s back in the inner circle,” a Trump campaign insider told Global News anonymously.
Security Amid Scrutiny: What HSAC Will Do
The Homeland Security Advisory Council is tasked with offering “real-time, real-world, and independent” recommendations to the Department of Homeland Security. While typically filled with a mix of academics, law enforcement professionals, and policy experts, this version appears heavily skewed toward Trump loyalists.
The first HSAC meeting under this new administration is scheduled for July 2, 2025, at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Core Missions Will Include:
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Domestic counterterrorism
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Border security and immigration enforcement
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Cybersecurity and infrastructure protection
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Public safety strategy and emergency preparedness
However, critics worry the group’s composition — filled with former campaign operatives, ideological voices, and legally embattled figures — will undermine the council’s objectivity.
Critics Slam Partisan Tilt, Question Giuliani’s Fitness
Democrats and even some moderate Republicans are expressing concern over the council’s makeup.
“Appointing Giuliani to a homeland security role is like hiring a firefighter who’s under investigation for arson,” said one Democratic strategist.
Legal analysts argue that Giuliani’s disbarment and credibility issues should disqualify him from serving in any national security advisory role. Others cite his public statements — like his infamous “Truth isn’t truth” quote — as undermining public trust in institutions.
Despite these warnings, Trump’s base remains largely supportive, viewing the appointments as a way to “drain the deep state” and ensure that security policy reflects “real American values.”
Political Strategy or National Interest?
Observers see this move as part of Trump’s broader effort to restructure federal agencies and advisory boards to align with his political goals, a theme evident across recent appointments in education, health, and foreign affairs.
It also reflects the campaign-style governance Trump has adopted in his second term — elevating media figures and campaign operatives into policymaking roles, often at the expense of traditional bureaucratic structures.
What’s Next for the HSAC?
With Giuliani and other controversial figures onboard, all eyes will be on the July 2 meeting. Will this advisory council offer meaningful guidance, or will it serve as an echo chamber for Trumpism?
The answer may determine not just homeland security strategy — but the tone of governance for the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
