Arpaio, Brewer, Kyle Among Trump Cabinet Picks

By Lorin McLain

Sheriff Joe Arpaio could be leaving his job in Maricopa County for an even bigger one in the incoming administration under president-elect, Donald Trump. Arpaio is confirmed as one of four candidates Trump is considering for the Secretary of Homeland Security. The main priority for the agency created after the September 11th attacks is protecting United States borders. If Trump presses on with his stated goals of mass deportations and building a wall, it will be up to the former controversial sheriff to carry them out.

So, unfortunately for his critics, Arizona might see more of him in at least the next four years. However, it’s left to be seen whether criminal contempt charges filed by federal prosecutors last month could impact his role if Trump selects him. He’s charged with criminal contempt for defying federal orders to stop immigration-enforcement procedures considered to be racial profiling. Other candidates for homeland security chief are former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Texas Representative Michael McCaul, and Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke, Junior.

Among five candidates considered for Trump’s secretary of defense is former Arizona senator, Jon Kyl. Kyl could be reentering the political arena as directing Trump’s strategy to fight ISIS, and playing a pivotal role in two Obama-administration initiatives that could be potentially rolled back that include women being integrated into combat roles and allowing transgender people to openly serve in the armed forces. Other candidates are former Arkansas Governor Tom Cotton, former George W. Bush National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley, Representative Duncan Hunter from California, and Retired Marine Corps General James N. Mattis.

Former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is on the list for Trump’s Interior Secretary. Brewer would helm the agency. Environmentalists fear that Trump will kill many of the Obama administration’s priorities of limiting public land development, curbing oil, gas and coal exploration, and promoting renewable energy. The department manages the nation’s public lands and waterways. Investor Robert E. Grady, oil and gas executives Harold G. Hamm and Forrest Lucas, and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin are also on the list.