The Republican Party is closing in on overall control of the US Congress, having already secured a majority in the Senate and needing fewer than five seats to capture the House of Representatives.

A party needs 218 seats to gain a majority in the House of Representatives and President-elect Donald Trump’s has 214, compared to Democrats’ 205, according to the latest data.

Since winning the presidential election last week, all eyes have been on Trump to see who he appoints to serve in his administration.

So far, roles have been assigned to New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik – the new US ambassador to the United Nations – and Tom Homan, who Trump has said will serve as his “border czar.”

The US government consists of three branches: the Senate, the White House – both of which Trump and his party have already won – and the House of Representatives.

Republicans are expected to fill at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate, after capturing three previously held by Democrats in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana.

Control of the House of Representatives gives a party the power to initiate spending legislation and begin impeachment proceedings against officials.

Controlling both chambers would mean that most of Trump’s agenda would have a better chance of winning approval from Congress than if Democrats controlled either of them.

Trump campaigned on promises to “end inflation,” cut taxes and deport immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

Meanwhile, rumors are swirling as to who Trump will offer his top cabinet jobs to.

Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), had been tipped to become the next secretary of the interior.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Homan would “be in charge of our nation’s borders (“The Border Czar”), including, but not limited to, the southern border, the northern border, all maritime and aviation security. “.

He continued: “Similarly, Tom Homan will be in charge of all deportations of illegal aliens back to their countries of origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, long-awaited job.”

In a statement to the New York Post, Trump also announced Stefanik as his choice for UN ambassador.

She confirmed her acceptance of the role to the same newspaper, saying she was “truly honoured”.

“During my conversation with President Trump, I expressed how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate,” she said.

Elsewhere, Susie Wiles has already been appointed chief of staff to the 47th president. In his election victory speech, Trump called her “the ice girl” — a reference to her calmness — and said she “likes to stay in the background.”

Other names in the running to join the government include billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who played a key role in Trump’s campaign, and Robert F Kennedy Jr., who ran his own presidential campaign before joining Trump supported.

Over the weekend, Trump announced that Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo — both of whom served in his first administration — would not be offered new positions when he returns to the White House in January.