On Monday, President-elect Donald Trump is set to meet with General David Petraeus to speak about a possible administration position for the four star general who has been hailed one of the most brilliant of his generation. A member of Trump’s transition team confirmed that the two will meet in New York to discuss the possibility of the retired general and former CIA Director serving as Secretary of State. The highly celebrated four star general has expressed in recent weeks that he would be very interested and open to accepting a position in the new Trump administration.
General Petraeus served in the United States Army for almost four decades, earning the position of four star general and became admired for his leadership in overseeing operations in the Middle East. He moved on to command the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) just before retiring in 2011. In April of 2011, President Obama nominated General Petraeus to be CIA Director, which was confirmed by the Senate soon after.
The 64-year old retired General headed the CIA until a scandal ensued in 2012 in which Gen. Petraeus reportedly shared classified information with his mistress and biographer, Paula Broadwell. The scandal forced him into resignation and he agreed to a plea deal which required him to serve two years on probation pay $100,000 in order to avoid having to endure a criminal trial.
General David Petraeus with Paula Broadwell, his biographer and mistress who he reportedly shared classified information with.
Petraeus has also been teaching and working as chairman of the KKR Global Institute, a company that analyzes global trends for the New York based investment firm KKR & Co. The Obama Administration admitted to seeking guidance and advice from Petraeus even after the scandal and subsequent resignation, as he has been said to be respected as one of the most brilliant generals of his generation.
The news of Gen. Petraeus being considered for Secretary of States comes after Kellyanne Conway spoke to CNN on Sunday saying many Trump supporters, within the transition team and without, have had major opposition to Mitt Romney becoming Secretary of State after his name was being floated for the position after meeting last week. Conway, who served as Trump’s campaign manager and is an advisor in the Trump transition, expressed doubt that Romney, who was highly opposed to Trump during the campaign, would be the best to head the State Department, but would support the decision if Trump nominated him.
On Wednesday, General David Petraeus told the BBC that he is willing to serve in the new administration if asked by President-elect Trump.
“If you’re asked, you’ve got to serve – put aside any reservations based on campaign rhetoric… and figure out what’s best for the country,” Petraeus said.
“I’ve been in a position before where a president has turned to me in the Oval Office in a difficult moment, without any pleasantries, and said ‘I’m asking you as your president and Commander in Chief to take command of the international security force in Afghanistan.’”
“The only response can be: ‘yes, Mr President,'” he said.
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