Although Hadley’s chances are deemed slim, Talent is considered to be the top contender among candidates for defense secretary who are not former generals. Retired U.S. Marine Corps General James Mattis is emerging as a potential favorite for President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of defense nominee. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)Also, unlike Mattis, Talent would not require a waiver for the law that requires any defense secretary to be at least seven years removed from active-duty service. McCain told an audience at the Halifax International Security Forum that he has spoken directly with Trump about the defense secretary appointment. Keane told NPR that Trump offered him the defense secretary position but he declined.

Source: Washington Post November 21, 2016 19:29 UTC