By David E. Hubler
Contributor, In Homeland Security
Once again, President Trump is without a National Security Adviser. His choice, Vice Admiral Robert Harward, late Thursday turned down the key security post citing family considerations.
News reports said Harward declined the position after learning that the White House would not guarantee that he would be able to select his own staff.
Harward would have replaced Michael Flynn, who fell out of favor with the administration. Flynn failed to fully inform Vice President Mike Pence about the nature of his phone conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. in the weeks prior to the inauguration.
Intelligence Community May Be Reviewed by NY Banker Stephen Feinberg
Trump has also asked billionaire New York banker Stephen A. Feinberg to lead a review of the intelligence community and make recommendations to improve efficiency and coordination, the Associated Press reports.
As recently as Wednesday, Trump promised to crack down on “illegal leaks” of classified information.
Acosta Named to Lead US Department of Labor
The President also announced his new choice of head the Department of Labor. If confirmed, former U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta will become the first Latino in the Trump cabinet. He is currently dean of the law school at Florida International University, the Washington Post reports.
Acosta would replace Trump’s first pick, Andy Puzder, a millionaire fast-food executive whose hiring of an undocumented immigrant in his home and other labor practices drew fire from both Democratic and Republican Senators. Puzder withdrew his nomination when he realized he would not win confirmation.
About the Author
David E. Hubler brings a variety of government, journalism and teaching experience to his position as a Quality Assurance Editor at APUS. David’s professional background includes serving as a senior editor at CIA and the Voice of America. He has also been a managing editor for several business-to-business and business-to-government publishing companies. David has taught high school English in Connecticut and at Northern Virginia Community College. He has a master’s degree for Teachers of English from the University of New Hampshire and a B.A. in English from New York University. In March 2017, Rowman & Littlefield will publish the paperback edition of David’s latest book, “The Nats and the Grays, How Baseball in the Nation’s Capital Survived WWII and Changed the Game Forever.”