Trump's nominee for Pentagon chief withdraws from post
Tom Cotton, US Senator (flickr by Arkansas National Guard)
Senator from Arkansas, Tom Cotton, declined a position in Donald Trump's administration. According to rumors, he was considered for the US Secretary of Defense role, citing CNN.
A source informed the publication that people close to Trump suggested Cotton for high-ranking intelligence or national security roles. However, he chose to remain in the Senate.
Several CNN sources confirmed that Cotton was indeed considered for the role of the new head of the Pentagon.
According to the journalists' source, Cotton intends to run for the position of leader of the Republican faction in the Senate. He also assured Trump’s team that he plans to be the former president’s main "defender" during his time in Congress.
About Cotton
Tom Cotton was considered for the position of Secretary of Defense prior to Trump’s first term. Cotton, a former infantry officer, participated in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The senator is also a representative of the hawkish wing of the Republican Party, which supports providing aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
You can learn more about other potential candidates for the position of US Secretary of Defense under Trump in the RBC-Ukraine coverage.
