No new names from weekend Cabinet search

Donald Trump, however, signalled he is considering retired Marine Corps General James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis to be his Pentagon chief

US President-elect Donald Trump late on Sunday night wrapped up a busy weekend of meetings with cabinet hopefuls at his golf club retreat outside New York, hinting new appointments should come soon.

The Republican billionaire-turned-world leader signaled he is seriously considering retired Marine Corps general James “Mad Dog” Mattis to be his Pentagon chief, heaping praise on him.

When asked before dinner at his Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey if he would soon reveal new nominations, Mr Trump told reporters: “Pretty true,” confirming he had “made a couple of deals.”

But Mr Trump made the 90-minute drive back to Manhattan late Sunday after two days in Bedminster, and no new picks were revealed.

Beyond Mr Mattis, the top names on the guest list Sunday were Republican New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was ousted as the leader of Mr Trump’s transition team, former New York mayor Rudy

Giuliani and immigration hardliner Kris Kobach.

The President-elect was clearly seeking to sound out people from a wide range of backgrounds, from party stalwarts to business moguls and former rivals.

Some of Mr Trump’s choices for other key posts so far — attorney general, national security adviser and chief White House strategist — have come under fire on civil rights grounds from Democrats and other critics.

Mr Trump was wowed by Mr Mattis, who led the US Central Command from 2010-2013, overseeing the US withdrawal from Iraq and a surge in Afghanistan.

“General James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, who is being considered for Secretary of Defense, was very impressive yesterday. A true General’s General!” Mr Trump said on Twitter.