Now that former President Donald Trump is undoubtedly the GOP presidential nominee, many wonder not only who he'll select as his running mate, but also who Trump might hire for his cabinet.
According to the Washington Examiner, a source reported that Trump has been in talks with Tulsi Gabbard regarding the future of the Department of Defense.
Gabbard, a former Democratic lawmaker out of Hawaii, left the party last year and turned independent, and has gained favor with Trump's base.
Her views and policy positions align with those of Trump, making her a prime candidate for a Trump cabinet position, should he win the general election later this year.
Republican strategist Andrew Surabian pointed out that Gabbard's views of defense-related overseas policies are a close match with Trump's and Republican voters, making her a potentially prime candidate to lead the DoD.
BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard held meeting with President Trumphttps://t.co/4KnqbLAAxBhttps://t.co/4KnqbLAAxB
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) February 14, 2024
"She appeals to Republicans who are skeptical of intervention overseas, which is now a majority of Republican voters," Surabian said.
The Examiner noted:
Trump has claimed that one of his biggest mistakes as president was not choosing good defense and foreign policy leaders. Trump said that this time, he would select leaders who share his views. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, has not publicly commented on the discussions, but she often agrees with Trump’s approaches.
Trump's version of America's involvement in overseas conflicts and situations will greatly contrast President Joe Biden's approach. One former Trump official explained the 45th president's approach.
"He sees these treaties and partnerships as transactional relationships, and he is constantly looking at the ledger and saying, ‘Is this a good deal or this a bad deal?’” the former senior official reportedly said. "He views America’s forces abroad, and America’s protection, as a service to be paid for."
News of Gabbard's meeting with Trump garnered mixed reactions and varying speculation on what role she might play in a second Trump administration.
"I don't feel SecDef from her, more like SecState," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "This would be the smartest move Trump ever makes."
Only time will tell if Gabbard will play a role in a second Trump administration. Some have even suggested she'd be a perfect VP running mate, given that she polls well with MAGA voters and would be able to reach important demographics that Trump probably couldn't.
