Several senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration are currently holding down more than one top-level role at a time, according to The New York Times.The MAGA supremo’s team says this approach is efficient and cost-saving. However, critics warn it’s a recipe for poor management and conflict of interest. As Trump pushes to shrink government in his second term, overlapping appointments have become more common, sparking worries among watchdogs and governance experts alike.Meet the six key figures juggling multiple roles in the Trump administration:
Marco Rubio : Four hats and rising pressure
US secretary of state Marco Rubio is also serving as interim National Security Adviser, Acting Director of USAID, and Acting Archivist of the National Archives. Critics argue that the workload is overwhelming for a single person, particularly when the roles span such varied and critical domains. Rubio, known for his past presidential run and his time in the Senate, now finds himself managing both foreign diplomacy and national records.
Sean Duffy: From roads to rockets
Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, was chosen by Trump to head Nasa after the nomination of Jared Isaacman was withdrawn. Though his experience primarily lies in domestic infrastructure, Duffy has now been asked to lead the country’s space exploration programme. Critics question the match, noting that Nasa’s demands require deep scientific and technical understanding.
Douglas A. Collins: Veterans and beyond
Douglas A. Collins, the secretary of veterans affairs, has also taken on additional duties, particularly early in Trump’s second term. While his leadership at veterans affairs has focused on improving healthcare and services for former military personnel, NYT reports that he’s been consulted or involved in unrelated agency planning.
Ed Martin: Multiple Justice Roles Without Confirmation
Ed Martin was denied Senate confirmation as US Attorney for Washington, DC, but that hasn’t stopped the Trump administration from giving him substantial responsibilities. He currently holds three different positions within the Justice Department, none of which require Senate approval. Critics say the administration is avoiding usual rules by giving Martin powerful roles without proper public review.
Jamieson Greer: Trade and ethics
Jamieson Greer has been given the responsibility of serving both as the US Trade Representative and acting head of the Office of Government Ethics. The dual role has raised concerns due to the potential conflict between promoting national trade interests and overseeing ethical standards for federal employees. Greer, a known Trump loyalist, has been instrumental in pushing trade reforms and new tariffs.
Keith Sonderling: Labour meets Libraries
Keith Sonderling, who heads the Department of Labor, has also been appointed to lead the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The two roles have little in common, with one focused on labour policies and worker rights and the other on supporting public libraries and museums. Many experts have pointed out that managing these separate missions could dilute focus and hinder effectiveness.
Criticism over governance
Experts have voiced strong concerns about this strategy. Max Stier of the Partnership for Public Service described it as “horrible management” that could lead to inefficiency. Pete Piraino, a former ATF agent, said departments like ATF and FEMA require full-time leadership. Others say dual roles could produce conflict of interest, especially when criminal prosecution overlaps with pardon processes or ethical oversight.The White House maintains that these overlapping appointments are cost-effective and ensure loyalty. “President Trump’s cabinet is second to none and has met the moment… harnessing its expertise,” said Harrison Fields, deputy press secretary. Yet critics worry the strategy may weaken governance and create unnecessary confusion within agencies designed to operate independently.
