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President Reagan's Cabinet

Meet President ReagaN’s Cabinet

President Ronald Reagan’s Cabinet was composed of the heads of the executive departments of the federal government and other top officials who advised him on various policy matters.

The Cabinet during Reagan’s Presidency had several key members, including:

  • Alexander Haig: Secretary of State (1981-1982)
  • Caspar Weinberger: Secretary of Defense (1981-1987)
  • Donald Regan: Secretary of Treasury (1981-1985)
  • William French Smith: Attorney General (1981-1985)
  • George P. Schultz: Secretary of State (1982-1989)
  • James Baker: White House Chief of Staff (1981-1985) and Secretary of Treasury (1985-1988)
  • Edwin Meese: Counselor to the President (1981-1985) and Attorney General (1985-1988)

Many of Reagan’s Cabinet members were known for their conservative views and their experience in government and business. Alexander Haig, Reagan’s first Secretary of State, was a former general and NATO commander who had served in various government positions under Nixon and Ford. Caspar Weinberger, Reagan’s Secretary of Defense, was a businessman and lawyer who had served in various government positions under Nixon and Ford. Donald Regan, Reagan’s Secretary of Treasury, was a former CEO of Merrill Lynch who had advised Reagan during his campaign. William French Smith, Reagan’s first Attorney General, was a lawyer and businessman who had served as Reagan’s campaign manager. George P. Schultz, Reagan’s second Secretary of State, was an economist and former Secretary of Labor who had served in various government positions under Nixon and Ford. James Baker, Reagan’s White House Chief of Staff and later Secretary of Treasury, was a lawyer and businessman who had served as Reagan’s campaign manager. Edwin Meese, Reagan’s Counselor to the President and later Attorney General, was a lawyer and political advisor who had served as Reagan’s campaign manager.

Reagan’s Cabinet members helped to implement his policies and initiatives, and many of them went on to serve in various government and business positions after his presidency.