Tipsheet

Who's Going To Replace Flynn As National Security Adviser?

UPDATE: The Washington Examiner says Gen. David Petreaus is being considered to replace Flynn. I'm not so sure that's the best idea, as the former CIA director was convicted for mishandling classified information.

***Original Post***

Katie wrote about the resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn last night. Flynn has been in the crosshairs over his discussions with the Russian ambassador over possible easing of sanctions and then lying to Vice President Mike Pence about the nature of the conversation. The Department of Justice also noted that Flynn might be vulnerable to blackmail.

Flynn’s nomination to this post was controversial from day one, though he’s out, and the Democrats are screaming for investigations. This matter isn’t resolved. In the meantime, the president needs a new National Security Adviser and a former deputy commander to U.S. Central Command—who served under Defense Secretary Mattis—appears to be the frontrunner (via WaPo):

Vice Adm. Robert Harward, a former deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command, became the front-runner late Monday to replace Michael Flynn as the White House national security adviser, following lengthy discussions among top advisers to President Trump and several Cabinet members after Flynn resigned.

[…]

Harward served under Mattis while he was at U.S. Central Command and remains an ally and friend of the defense secretary.

The officials said Harward, who has been under consideration as a possible undersecretary of defense for intelligence, is seen by key players around Trump as a steady pick for the post following the tumult that surrounded Flynn.

The officials also described Harward, who had a tour on the National Security Council during George W. Bush’s presidency, where he worked on counterterrorism strategy, as someone who had a high profile in security circles but a low public profile, which is part of his appeal.