As the political landscape shifts with President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, the race is on to assemble his cabinet. Wall Street is buzzing with speculation about what his administration will mean for business and the economy. Investors and analysts are eager to decipher the implications of Trump’s win, particularly in terms of potential appointees and their anticipated policies.

Here’s what Andrew Ross Sorkin and Lauren Hirsch from DealBook have discovered, featuring insights from notable figures like Kevin Warsh and Gary Cohn. It’s important to note that the degree of influence each individual has with Trump can fluctuate significantly.

Potential Key Figures in the Second Trump Administration:

• Lobbyists are actively working to connect business leaders with Trump allies overseeing the transition. Leading this initiative are Linda McMahon, the former C.E.O. of World Wrestling Entertainment and a previous official in the Trump administration, alongside Howard Lutnick, the C.E.O. of Cantor Fitzgerald.
• Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor, is expected to play a pivotal role, particularly in finance and economic matters.
• Speculation is rife in Wall Street and Washington circles that Jay Clayton, the former chair of the S.E.C., could be a contender for positions such as Treasury Secretary or Attorney General.
• Two prominent financiers who have been advising Trump—Scott Bessent and John Paulson—are also seen as potential candidates for the Treasury role, while Bessent may also be considered for the Federal Reserve Chair.
• Gary Cohn, Trump’s former chief economic advisor, has taken on an informal role as a liaison between Wall Street and the president-elect.

Anticipated Trends in Mergers and Acquisitions:

Corporate leaders and dealmakers are expressing a sense of optimism regarding the prospects for mergers and acquisitions under a second Trump administration. There is an expectation for a surge of activity in sectors such as defense, energy, and manufacturing, as businesses anticipate a more favorable regulatory environment.