Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering Richard Grenell, former ambassador, and Elbridge Colby, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, among others for the position of White House National Security Advisor if he wins re-election, according to the U.S. political media outlet Politico on the 22nd (local time).
Former Ambassador Grenell served as the U.S. Ambassador to Germany and Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) during the Trump administration. He has a close relationship with former President Trump and is known as a so-called 'Trump envoy.' Known for his hawkish style, he is trusted as someone who can execute former President Trump's wishes.
Elbridge Colby, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development, focuses on China's challenge to the world order and its military buildup, advocating for minimizing intervention in crises outside of that region. Such views are widely accepted within the Trump camp.
Politico explained that it narrowed down the candidates for National Security Advisor through four sources. It also predicted that whoever becomes National Security Advisor, the second Trump administration would prioritize confronting China as its top agenda. The importance of policies related to Ukraine and others is expected to decrease.
Other prominent candidates include Senator Bill Hagerty (Tennessee) and former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien.
Former Ambassador Grenell is also a leading candidate for Secretary of State, but there are concerns about difficulties in Senate confirmation. Senator Hagerty and former National Security Advisor O'Brien are also mentioned as potential candidates for Secretary of State.
Senator Hagerty has built connections with Japanese and other regional figures, which could support a tough stance on China.
Former National Security Advisor O'Brien holds mainstream Republican policy views, which might alleviate some concerns about Trump's foreign policy. He is also mentioned as a candidate for Secretary of Defense. However, Politico analyzed that his praise of the Biden administration's approach to rallying Western countries to Ukraine's side in the Ukraine war could be a potential issue.
Politico stated, "Former President Trump is known for frequently changing his mind about appointments," but added, "It has become clearer in recent weeks as he rapidly advances his return plans and considers who will execute his agenda."
Stephen Cheung, spokesperson for Trump's presidential campaign, told Politico on the same day, "Former President Trump will select cabinet members who are suitable to reverse all the damage caused to the United States by the corrupt Joe Biden," but added, "There have been no discussions about who will work in the second administration."
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