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Ryan Reynolds
Mint is still $15 a month for premium wireless. And if you haven't made the switch yet, here are 15 reasons why you should 1. It's $15 a month.
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Ryan Reynolds
Seriously, it's $15 a month. 3. No big contracts.
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Ryan Reynolds
I use it.
Will Kaback
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Ryan Reynolds
My mom uses it. Are you. Are you playing me off? That's what's happening, right? Okay, give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront.
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Will Kaback
Hi everyone and welcome to the Tangle Friday edition. I'm senior editor Will Kbach and today we're going to be covering the Cabinet secretaries you haven't heard about. The first eight months of the second Trump administration have been headlined by several prominent cabinet members Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Tulsi Gabbard, Krissy Noem, Scott Besant and Pam Bondi, among others. These leaders have undertaken wide ranging initiatives to carry out the president's agenda, drawing regular coverage and analysis of their actions. But a quieter group of department heads has also been shaping policies, implementing programs and making consequential decisions, often without the same degree of media attention. So today we're going to pull back the curtain on 10 Trump administration leaders whose work does not always grab the headlines, but touches on key issues like agriculture, housing policy, the labor market, international aid, the environment and more. In Trutangle fashion. We'll give an overview of their core initiatives so far, what their supporters and critics are saying, and the issues that will define the remainder of their time in office.
Narrator/Host
First up, we have Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was the founding president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank launched in 2021 to boost Trump's policies. AFPI employed many officials from Trump's first presidency, and several former AFPI employees now hold senior positions in the current administration. Before founding afpi, Rollins held multiple roles in the first Trump administration, including director of the Domestic Policy Council. She has also served as former Texas governor Rick Perry's policy director and ran the Texas Public Policy foundation, another conservative think tank. The Senate confirmed Rollins as Agriculture secretary in a 7228 vote. Since Rollins first days in office, she has linked the Department of Agriculture with National Security, along with the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Justice. The USDA released a Farm Security is National Security Action Plan, which outlines seven critical areas for the USDA to address. One of these areas was ownership of American farmland by adversarial governments. Rollins signed a memorandum of understanding with the Treasury Department to give USDA more involvement on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, completing a partnership kicked off by Congress last year. Additionally, Rollins released a map of foreign farm land purchases and a web portal for individuals to report instances of foreign governments influencing American politicians with respect to the sale of American farmland. Rollins also ordered a USDA reorganization, cutting salaries, moving jobs out of Washington, D.C. and ending USDA diversity, equity and inclusion programs. On her first day in office. She has overseen the distribution of billions of dollars to farmers, and Rollins announced that USDA and DOJ antitrust attorneys would work together to combat rising input prices through farmers. She has also taken action to protect the US From New World Screwworm. Supporters say her experience as an executive of two large public policy organizations and lifelong involvement in farming will make her an effective Agriculture secretary. Since her confirmation, some industry leaders have conditionally endorsed the memoranda of understanding between DOJ and usda, calling on leaders to make sure it is properly applied. Others have commended her efforts to prevent New World Screwworm from infecting American cattle. Detractors have criticized Rollins decision to substantially reorganize and cut programs at USDA without forewarning or congressional oversight. Many worry that moving jobs out of D.C. will lead to additional resignations at a department that 18,000 employees have left since January. Others have criticized her comments surrounding the partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Initiative, which focused on growing crops using practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Rawlins and many other politicians have warned recently that farmers are in an economically perilous position. At the same time, photos of Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's phone showed a message seemingly sent by Rollins complaining that Argentina sold a bunch of soybeans to China at a time when we would normally be selling to China. Soy prices are dropping further because of it. This gives China more leverage on US Soybeans are the largest agricultural export of the United States, but retaliatory tariffs have made South American grown beans more competitive. On Tuesday, in her appearance on Fox, Businesses Making Money with Charles Payne, Rollins said that President Trump has committed to a bailout for farmers and will make an announcement on it likely next week. Rollins will probably work with Senate Majority Leader John Thune to try to shepherd a farm bailout bill through Congress. Next up is Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Chris Wright is an energy entrepreneur best known for founding hydraulic fracture or fracking mapping company Pinnacle Technologies and serving as its CEO. From 1992 to 2006, Wright led several other shale energy retraction companies, most recently Liberty Energy, and has participated in efforts to tap shale for geothermal energy and develop small modular nuclear reactors. Wright is a scientist who studied at MIT and Caltech, and he was confirmed by the Senate in a 5938 vote in February. Wright has broadly shifted the Department of Energy's focus towards energy sources and infrastructure, but away from managing the environmental effects of converting those sources into energy. In his opening remarks to DOE staff, Wright articulated his belief that the rising demand for energy fueled by AI necessitated both new innovations and a commitment to US Fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. As a self proclaimed climate realist, Wright has also expressed skepticism that intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectricity can replace fossil fuels. One of Wright's first secretarial orders authorized an increase in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, resumed consideration of trading partners for exporting liquid natural gas, and encouraged modernization in the efficiency and security of the US Power grids. Relatedly, Wright has undertaken efforts to streamline regulations at U.S. national laboratories and to stockpile uranium reserves, remarking that a nuclear weapons arsenal should go hand in hand with nuclear energy and not be used as a deterrent. Wright also sees investing in critical minerals, efficient manufacturing and the AI supply chain as part of his Department's remit. Conversely, Wright does not see responding to or managing climate change as a priority for the DoE. As part of an undertaking to reduce waste, Wright has terminated roughly $3.7 billion of investments into clean energy technology and carbon sequestration. Wright announced to the UN last week that he would be canceling $13 billion in investments in renewable energies and electric cars, which he said do not lead towards decarbonization and perhaps the largest headline the DOE has garnered under his leadership. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy added climate change, green and decarbonization to its growing list of words to avoid. Wright's supporters say that his attitude towards fossil fuels and dual background in science and business make him an ideal Secretary of Energy. Others applaud Wright's approach towards fossil fuels, calling his opinions realistic and saying that the government benefits from his opposition to the crisis mindset of the climate change industry. Some also dispute his label as a climate denier, instead pointing out his investments in nuclear and geothermal energy. Opponents label Ride's philosophy a kind of new denial of climate change, saying his refusal to admit the existential nature of the climate threat makes him a favorite of the fossil fuel industry. Others criticized the research he commissioned into climate change, saying the authors were cherry picked and its results did not convincingly support Wright's goal to downplay the crisis. The European Union's climate commissioner, Wobke Hoekstra, said the DOE under Wright was doing the opposite of what Europe is doing and referred to Wright's policies as concerning and problematic. Wright has already undertaken steps to shift the DOE's focus to energy sources, but the policies he will put forward to modernize energy infrastructure are still unknown. In a recent development, the DOE is now taking proposals for developing data centers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The DOE underwrite will likely continue to invest in natural gas or oil, nuclear energy and coal while divesting from carbon sequestration and green energy. Following executive orders signed by President Trump, Wright announced the reactor pilot program to fast track nuclear energy development with the goal of putting three advanced reactors into production by 2026.
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We'll be right back after this quick break.
Ryan Reynolds
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Will Kaback
Now on to Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior. Burgum is the former governor of North Dakota, serving in that role from 2016 to 2024. Before politics, he had a notable career as a businessman, assuming leadership of a North Dakota based accounting software company and taking it public before selling it to Microsoft. Burgum ran for the Republican nomination for president in the 2024 election, but suspended his campaign in December 2023. He later endorsed President Trump and was considered a short list candidate to be Trump's running mate. The Senate confirmed Burgum as Interior secretary in a 79 to 18 vote in January. Now here's what Burgum's done. On his first day in office, Burgum signed six Secretary's Orders, which are formal directives outlining department priorities broadly focused on increasing energy production and reducing energy costs. Order 3417 directed the Department to use emergency legal authorities to accelerate domestic energy and critical mineral production, permitting and infrastructure projects, while Order 3420 moved to reopen parts of the Arctic and other regions for expedited oil and gas leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf. In April, he published plans for emergency permitting procedures that would cut permit processing timelines for energy related projects on federal lands to no more than 28 days. Energy sources like crude oil, natural gas, coal and others were included on the list of qualifying projects, though wind and solar were not. Burgum has argued that the United States has over incentivized renewable energy production, claiming that these energy sources cannot keep up with rising energy demands. Separately, the Department has taken steps to streamline the mining and processing of critical minerals, which Burgum said will move the US Away from its reliance on China for these materials. Finally, the Interior Secretary has outlined plans to allow new oil and gas leases on federal land in Alaska, overturning protections put in place by the Biden administration. In June, Burgum visited Alaska and officially announced that the Trump administration will lift environmental protections on approximately half of the National Petroleum Reserve on Alaska's North Slope. Furthermore, the Department of the Interior is working to transfer federal land to the state to support construction of a pipeline to transport liquefied natural gas for export and on a road to support a planned copper and zinc mine in northern Alaska. Now here's what some of Burgum's supporters and critics are saying. Supporters have praised Burgum's deregulatory moves to boost production of fuel sources like coal, arguing that these measures will help reduce energy costs. Others have endorsed Bergam's efforts to increase recovery of critical minerals to help the United States break free from its reliance on China for these materials. Several major agricultural and energy groups have also expressed support for Bergamot. The National Cattlemen's Beef association and Public Lands Council noted his, quote, proven record of supporting rural communities and promoting a balanced approach to energy development and conservation, while the American Petroleum Institute praised his, quote, pro American energy approach to federal leasing, end quote. Now critics have questioned Burgum's decision to exclude renewable energy sources like wind from his energy agenda, noting the discrepancy between the all of the above approach he endorsed during his confirmation process and his actions now that he's in office. They suggest Burgum's hostile posture towards wind is solely to placate President Trump and is depriving the US Of a key energy source. Others, like the center for Western Priorities have argued that his secretary's orders will upend public land management and cause irreparable harm to the West's landscapes, wildlife habitats, climate and communities, end quote, highlighting the risk of moves like scaling back habitat protections and eliminating resource management plans. What's next for Burgum? Well, his ongoing efforts to reshape U.S. energy and land policy will be a major story to watch in the months ahead, including how he manages resource development in Alaska and seeks to bolster critical mineral supply chains. Furthermore, keep an eye on his deregulatory moves. On Monday, the Interior Department announced it would open 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal mining and reduce companies royalty rates to extract coal. Burgum highlighted rising global coal demand, particularly in China, arguing it was essential for the US to keep pace in production. The new policy suggests that the department will continue to emphasize fossil fuel production as part of its energy agenda.
Narrator/Host
Next up is Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Doug Collins is a former pastor and lawyer from Georgia. He served in the Georgia State House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013 and in the U.S. house of Representatives from 2013 to 2021. Collins also served as a U.S. navy Reserve chaplain in the 1980s, then rejoined the military as an Air Force Reserve chaplain after the 911 terrorist attacks, completing a tour in Iraq from 2008 to 2009. Collins remains an active chaplain and a colonel in the Air Force Reserve. He was confirmed by the Senate to his position with a vote of 77 to 23. Collins has focused much of his early tenure on reducing waste in the Department of Veterans affairs and cutting back on DEI programs. The department claims that the elimination of DEI programs reallocated $14 million to Veterans Health care programs. It also revised its flag policy to allow only the US And Prisoner of War Missing in Action flags to be flown at VA locations. Various offices have also reduced costs by cutting personnel and contracts, and the VA Department as a whole expects to reduce its workforce by nearly 30,000 people by the end of fiscal year 2025. Collins has also promised to protect and improve healthcare for veterans. In February, the VA announced that it had discovered and redirected an additional $98 million to Veterans Health Initiatives. Collins has focused on expanding community care access, making it easier for veterans to seek health care outside of VA facilities using their VA coverage. The VA also expanded its Status Query and Response Exchange System, a digital tool originally designed to reduce veteran homelessness, to offer support and suicide prevention as well. Veterans organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project expressed their support for Collins nomination and confirmation in January, citing his military experience. Additionally, when supporting Collins nomination, Luke's Wing CEO cited Collins support of expanding community care for veterans as signaling his commitment to improving healthcare. Additionally, when supporting Collins nomination, the CEO of Luke's Wings cited Collins support of expanding community care for veterans as signaling his commitment to improving healthcare. The veterans organization Mission Roll Call has since supported Collins cuts to the department, arguing that his restructuring might improve conditions for veterans overall. Additionally, the Veterans of Foreign wars praised Collins willingness to hear their concerns and adjust plans to reduce staff in the VA department. However, some critics, including VA doctors, have expressed dismay about funding cuts to the department, worrying that the cuts may have undue impacts on health care for veterans. Other opponents argue that the private sector cannot address all of veterans needs adequately and emphasizing community care will close VA clinics that are better suited to veterans unique needs. Meanwhile, Democratic politicians have also criticized the push for increased community care access for the same reasons, arguing that overemphasizing the private sector abdicates the VA's responsibility to coordinate care. Collins will likely continue his focus on slimming down the department while prioritizing veterans health benefits. This week, the VA has implemented baseline staffing caps in each of its departments based on Secretary Collins recommendations, which will likely be enforced shortly. Collins has also been attending and speaking at various veterans events to promote some of his priorities like suicide prevention. Additionally, Collins requested a 10% budget increase in fiscal year 2026 to fund more VA benefits programs. Notably, the budget request included a 50% increase in discretionary funding for community care, but a 17% decrease in discretionary funding for VA provided.
Ryan Reynolds
Hey, Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Now I don't know if you've heard, but Mint's Premium Wireless is $15 a month. But I'd like to offer one other perk. We have no stores. That means no small talk. Crazy weather we're having. No, it's not. It's just weather. It is an introvert's dream. Give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment.
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Progressive Insurance Advertiser
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Narrator/Host
Medical care.
Podcast Break Announcer
We'Ll be right back after this quick break.
Will Kaback
Next, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Loeffler is a former U.S. senator representing Georgia from 2020 to 2021 after she was appointed to fill a vacant seat. She ran to remain in the seat in Georgia's 2021 special election, but lost to Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock. Before politics, she was a finance executive and venture capitalist, serving in executive roles at several major companies. The Senate confirmed her as Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the SBA in February in a 52 to 46 vote. Loeffler's tenure has centered on reorganizing the agency, implementing regulatory reform and boosting US Manufacturing. Her Day one priorities called for an agency wide financial audit and she has initiated large workforce cuts and agency restructuring, including relocating regional offices and absorbing the federal Student Aid office. As part of the restructuring, the SBA has cut 40% of its workforce. A centerpiece of her agenda is the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative announced in March, which reorients the SBA's Office of International Trade into an Office of Manufacturing and Trade. This program aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing by easing regulatory burdens and investing in workforce development and supply chain security. Other notable activity in Loeffler's first month includes a full scale audit of the SBA's 8A program to address potential fraud among government contractors in financial services. Loeffler has implemented a directive to SBA lenders to stop debanking, denying services based on political or religious views, and enforce fair access to financial services. Now, here's what supporters and critics are saying. Some outlets have reported favorably on Loeffler's management of tariff related disruptions and her efforts to support President Trump's policies for small businesses. Broadly, she has maintained support from groups like the US Chamber of Commerce, which praised her for, quote, advocating for regulatory relief and rear hey everybody, this is.
John Wall
John, executive Producer for Tangle. We hope you enjoyed this preview of our latest episode. If you are not currently a newsletter subscriber or a premium podcast subscriber and you are enjoying this content and would like to finish it, you can go to readtangle.com and sign up for a newsletter subscription. Or you can sign up for a podcast subscription or a bundled subscription which gets you both the podcast and the newsletter and unlocks the rest the of of this episode as well as ad free daily podcasts, more Friday editions, Sunday editions, bonus content, interviews and so much more. Most importantly, we just want to say thank you so much for your support. We're working hard to bring you much more content and more offerings, so stay tuned. I will join you again for the daily podcast. For the Rest of the crew, this is John Law signing off. Have a great day y'.
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All.
John Wall
Peace.
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Our Executive Editor and founder is me, Isaac Saul and our Executive Producer is John Wall. Today's episode was edited and engineered by John Wall. Our Editorial staff is led by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman with Senior Editor Will Kaback and Associate Editors Audrey Moorhead, Bailey Saul, Lindsay Knuth and Kendall White. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 7 and John Law and to learn more about Tangle and to sign up for a membership please visit our website@readtangle.com.
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Date: October 3, 2025
Host: Will Kaback (Senior Editor, Tangle)
Episode Theme:
A deep dive into lesser-known—but highly influential—Trump cabinet secretaries shaping U.S. policy in critical areas quietly, outside of the daily news cycle.
This episode shines a light on ten cabinet secretaries in the Trump Administration whose work rarely makes major headlines but has a major impact on sectors like agriculture, energy, natural resources, veteran services, and small business. The host, Will Kaback, provides concise bios, outlines their most significant actions so far, and shares perspectives from both supporters and critics to offer a balanced picture of their performance and policy direction.
[03:11–10:27]
Background:
Core Initiatives:
Supporters Say:
Critics Say:
Memorable Quote:
What’s Next:
[10:27–11:36]
Background:
Core Initiatives:
Supporters Say:
Critics Say:
Memorable Quotes:
What’s Next:
[11:36–15:44]
Background:
Core Initiatives:
Supporters Say:
Critics Say:
What’s Next:
[15:44–20:11]
Background:
Core Initiatives:
Supporters Say:
Critics Say:
Memorable Quote:
What’s Next:
[20:28–22:18]
Background:
Core Initiatives:
Supporters Say:
Critics:
For more details and a continuation of all 10 cabinet profiles, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Tangle’s newsletter or podcast premium feed.