One of former National Security Adviser John Bolton's chief rivals, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is under consideration to serve dual roles for President Donald Trump, according to a CNN report.
"I have five people that want it very much," President Trump said Wednesday. "Five people that I consider very highly qualified, good people."
Pompeo reportedly gave President Trump a list for potential Bolton replacements, according to a CNN source.
Serving as secretary of state and national security adviser would not be unprecedented, as Henry Kissinger served in both roles for former President Richard Nixon.
"He is going to act as national security adviser at least in the near term; Trump is happy with that," the source told CNN after saying Pompeo was joking about Bolton's ouster with friends, saying "what a day, what a life, what a job."
Among the other names being bandied about:
- U.S. special representative for Iran and senior policy adviser to Secretary Pompeo, Brian Hook.
- Special envoy to North Korea, Steve Biegun.
- Former National Security Council chief of staff Fred Fleitz.
- Retired Adm. Robert Harward.
- Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg.
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