The Financial Times is reporting today that Robert Harward, President* Tr*mp’s choice to replace Michael Flynn as national security adviser, has turned down the job. Mr. Harward is a senior executive at Lockheed Martin. He is also a retired navy vice-admiral, who commanded US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he is also a former Navy Seal. He served on the NSC under George W Bush, and enjoys the respect of his former boss, Defense Secretary Mattis.
Mr Harward seems like a sound choice for the job. He has good relationships with the military, and has first-hand knowledge of both military and national security issues and operations. I don’t know much about his politics or geopolitical views, but I’d be willing to allow that he’s competent. There’s just one problem…
Mr Harward is said to have turned Mr Trump down. “Harward is conflicted between the call of duty and the obvious dysfunctionality,” said one person with first hand knowledge of the discussions between Mr Trump and Mr Harward.
The Very Famous White House is reportedly trying to talk Mr Harward into changing his mind, but it certainly seems that competent people are staying away.
CounterPunch points out in the comments that there’s now a longer story up on Politico.