Ex-Dem Rep. Tulsi Gabbard eyes defense secretary job after switching parties to back Trump
SUMMARY
Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is reportedly seeking the role of defense secretary in President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. Sources say Gabbard, who recently joined Trump’s transition team and switched to the Republican Party after endorsing him, has placed the Pentagon role at the top of her list, although Trump has yet to decide. According to insiders, Gabbard plans to privately approach Trump about the position, although other candidates like former VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Senator Joni Ernst, and Rep. Mike Rogers are also under consideration. Supporters of Gabbard argue that her anti-war stance and military experience in the National Guard since 2003 make her a strong candidate. However, her recent military service may pose a hurdle, as federal law mandates that a defense secretary must not have been on active duty within the past seven years, potentially requiring a congressional waiver.
