Trump expected to appoint close associates to top positions

President-elect of the United States Donald Trump is expected to reward close friends and allies by appointing them to key government posts, according to reports now coming to light.

Republican candidate Trump, 70, defeated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, 69, in the race for US commander-in-chief on Tuesday. During Trump's controversial and often insult-driven campaign, many Republican party leaders had distanced themselves from him, leaving a small but loyal group behind.

Trump is considering these resolute supporters for possible positions within the government, according to reports published on The New York Times and Politico websites that quoted sources on the president-elect's transition team:

• Jeff Sessions, a strongly conservative Alabama senator who was also one of Trump's most fervent supporters in Congress, is under consideration for the prominent role of secretary of defense.

• Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn is seen as a possible pick for Trump's national security advisor Flynn is a former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency who played a prominent role in Trump's campaign by giving him private counsel on foreign affairs. "He has a calming influence on Trump," said a source familiar with transition planning.

• Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Bob Corker, senator from Tennessee are being considered potential candidates for secretary of state. They were vice presidential picks before the position went to Indiana Governor Mike Pence.
• Reince Priebus, Republican National Committee Chairman, who was given credit for helping Trump win the elections, is being considered as a potential White House chief of staff. Trump seems to hold him in high regard and he was also invited on-stage during Trump's victory speech.

• Republican National Committee's senior strategist Sean Spicer is reportedly a possibility for White House press secretary.
• Kellyanne Conway, Trump's campaign manager — who brought a more disciplined approach to the candidate — is seen as a potential White House senior advisor.
• Richard Grenell, a former spokesman for the US at the United Nations, along with New York Republican Representative Peter King are being considered as possible candidates for US ambassador to the UN.
• Mike Rogers who is a former chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is a potential CIA director.