President-elect Trump is reportedly considering Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis for Secretary of Defense, according to a source on the transition team, Bloomberg News reports.
Bloomberg’s source also indicated Retired Army Gen. Jack Keane is being considered by Trump for the top spot. Mattis served 44 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and generally remains adamantly against getting involved in politics. Mattis will reportedly meet with Trump in New York Saturday.
Mattis retired from the USMC in 2013, and would need a special congressional waiver if nominated by Trump to serve as Defense Secretary. Title 10 of the U.S. Code requires the Secretary of Defense be out of military uniform for a period longer than 7 years to reinforce the norm of civilian control.
Trump reportedly offered the post of National Security Advisor to Retired Army Gen. Michael Flynn, who served as Trump’s top national security surrogate throughout the campaign.
Keane was reportedly spotted at Trump Tower Thursday, and is a well known figure in the DC national security establishment. Keane retired from the Army in 2003, but remained a senior outside national counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush.
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