These are the top names in contention for Defense secretary under Trump

President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming decision on who to appoint as Defense secretary has national security minds in Washington, D.C., on edge. With Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., already chosen as his national security adviser and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., expected to be named as secretary of state, it is clear that Trump’s foreign policy will take a hawkish stance against China and Iran.

The Defense secretary will play a crucial role in overseeing significant changes within the Pentagon. This includes a reevaluation of troop deployments overseas and the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) provisions that many believe led the Pentagon to become “woke” under President Biden’s administration.

Several names have been floated as potential candidates for the role of Defense secretary. One possibility is Robert Wilkie, Trump’s former Veterans’ Affairs secretary, who has a strong background in military service and has been leading the transition team for Pentagon staffing. Wilkie is also a fellow at the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute and a military analyst for Newsmax.

Another contender is Robert O’Brien, Trump’s former national security adviser, who has expressed interest in returning to a Trump administration. O’Brien has emphasized the need to refocus U.S. defenses towards China and has advocated for imposing tougher sanctions on Russia in response to the situation in Ukraine.

Richard Grenell, Trump’s former acting director of national intelligence and German ambassador, is also expected to play a key role in national security under the new administration. Grenell has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s foreign policy agenda and has extensive experience in diplomatic relations.

Other potential candidates for the role of Defense secretary include Sen. Joni Ernst, Rep. Mike Rogers, and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg. However, sources suggest that Trump may opt to select a candidate from the private sector to avoid disrupting the GOP’s narrow majorities in Congress.

Ultimately, Trump is expected to choose a loyalist who will align with his policies and priorities. The decision on who will serve as Defense secretary will be a crucial one, shaping the direction of U.S. national security and foreign policy in the coming years.