National security experts in Washington, D.C., are eagerly anticipating President-elect Donald Trump's decision for Defense secretary. Trump's selection of Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., as his national security adviser and the expected choice of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., for secretary of state, indicate a forthcoming foreign policy stance that is likely to be assertive towards China and Iran.
The individual chosen for Defense secretary will be tasked with overseeing significant transformations within the Pentagon, including a reevaluation of troop deployments abroad and a comprehensive review of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that some believe led to what they perceive as the Pentagon becoming overly politicized during President Biden's tenure.
Various names have been circulating as potential candidates to lead the nation's largest agency, with a common thread being the necessity for Senate confirmation and Trump's inclination to appoint a loyalist who will support his agenda. In Trump's first term, the position of Pentagon chief saw a rapid turnover, with five individuals either resigning, being dismissed, or serving briefly in an interim capacity.
One potential candidate is Robert Wilkie, Trump's former Veterans’ Affairs secretary, who has a background in both the Navy and Air Force Reserve. Wilkie, currently affiliated with the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute, has been actively involved in the Pentagon staffing transition.
Another contender is Robert O’Brien, Trump's former national security adviser, who has expressed willingness to return to a Trump administration. O’Brien has emphasized the need to refocus U.S. defense strategies towards China and has advocated for imposing stricter sanctions on Russia.
Richard Grenell, Trump's former acting director of national intelligence and German ambassador, is also expected to assume a national security role in the upcoming administration, potentially within the Department of Defense. Grenell, known for his pro-Trump stance, has been involved in advising on foreign policy matters and engaging with various communities.
Sen. Joni Ernst, a defense-focused Republican from Iowa and the current GOP conference chair, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for Defense secretary, although she is currently focused on her GOP conference chair race. If selected, she would become the first female to hold the position.
Rep. Mike Rogers, head of the House Armed Services Committee, has been in talks with the transition team but sources suggest that Trump may opt for a candidate from the private sector. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who served in key national security roles during Trump's first term, is also being considered.
While Sen. Tom Cotton was initially a top contender for a role in the administration, he withdrew from consideration and is now vying for the Republican Conference chair position. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley have both been ruled out for joining the upcoming administration, as per Trump's recent announcement on Truth Social.
