Trump and Romney have 2nd meeting as sec. of State rumors swirl
Despite blatant opposition from some of his biggest supporters and closest aides, the US president-elect is still considering Romney for secretary of State; Kellyanne Conway—one of Trump's top advisors—has said that choosing Romney would be a 'betrayal' to Trump voters.
He was also meeting with Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who was getting new attention from Trump's team. On Monday, Trump spent an hour with retired Gen. David Petraeus, another new contender.
Trump's decision to consider Romney for the powerful Cabinet post has sparked an unusual public backlash from some of his closest aides and allies. Campaign manager Kellyanne Conway has warned that it would be a "betrayal" to Trump supporters if he selected Romney, who was a fierce critic of the president-elect.
Three people close to the transition team said Trump was aware that Conway planned to voice her concerns about Romney in public and they pushed back at suggestions that the president-elect was angry at her for doing so.
Meanwhile, Trump won praise from Republicans Tuesday for his pick of Congressman Tom Price to serve as health and human services secretary. A six-term congressman and orthopedic surgeon, Price has been a leading critic of President Barack Obama's health care law. If confirmed by the Senate, he will be a leading figure in Republican efforts to repeal the measure.
Incoming Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Price "has proven to be far out of the mainstream of what Americans want" for programs that help seniors, women, families and those with disabilities. His nomination, Schumer said, is "akin to asking the fox to guard the hen house."
Jason Miller, a transition team spokesperson, said at least one other Cabinet post would be announced in the afternoon. He did not elaborate on the matter further.
Transition aides said Trump was likely to be at least a few days away from a decision on secretary of State. Romney was fiercely critical of Trump throughout the campaign, including his preparedness for the foreign policy and national security decisions that confront a president. Still, he is said to be interested in serving in the administration and held a lengthy initial meeting with Trump before Thanksgiving.
Other top Trump allies, notably Conway, have launched a highly unusual public campaign against a Romney nomination. Conway's comments stirred speculation that she is seeking either to force Trump's hand or give him cover for ultimately passing over Romney.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a loyal Trump ally, was initially seen as the leading contender to helm the State Department. However, questions about his overseas business dealings, as well as his public campaigning for the job, have seemingly given Trump pause. Trump is now said to be considering Giuliani to head the Homeland Security Department, according to those close to the transition process.
