Trump teases NSC pick in 'Apprentice'-like fashion as reports of chaos swirl

pulse

February 17, 2017 2:55 PM

President Donald Trump on Friday was still searching for a new leader for the National Security Council — and in true reality-show fashion, he's letting his Twitter followers in on the action.

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"General Keith Kellogg, who I have known for a long time, is very much in play for NSA — as are three others," Trump tweeted Friday morning.

Trump's original national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was forced out earlier this week amid questions about contacts he had with Russian officials. His ouster came after weeks of reports of turmoil and disorganization within the council.

The man who was Trump's top choice, retired Adm. Robert Harward, turned down the position. He said he was opting for more "personal time" after more than four decades in the military, but people close to him said the perceived chaos surrounding Trump's administration played a part in his decision.

Kellogg is the acting national security adviser in Trump's administration. He served in the military for 36 years and was the chief operating officer for Baghdad's provisional government during the Iraq War until 2004.

Gen. David Petraeus is also said to be in the running for the position, but one report suggested he might not accept the position if it were offered, because he's aware that he's not Trump's first choice.

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