Brian Hook, a former top State Department official under the Trump administration, is reportedly set to lead the State Department’s transition team for President-elect Donald Trump, according to three sources close to the situation. Hook, who has an extensive background at the department, held key positions during Trump’s first term: he directed the policy planning staff from 2017 to 2018, served as the U.S. special envoy for Iran from 2018 to 2020, and earlier worked as assistant secretary of state for international organizations and as a senior adviser to the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. during George W. Bush’s presidency.
Neither Hook nor the Trump campaign commented on the report. It also remains unclear if the Trump team will use transition offices at the State Department. The department’s own transition planning will be overseen by retired career Ambassador Stephen Mull, sources shared with CNN.
In related news, representatives from Trump’s team met last week with federal transition planners to discuss preparations for “post-election readiness,” a White House official confirmed. However, Trump has yet to sign key memoranda of understanding with the Biden administration, which are crucial for beginning transition activities and providing the incoming team with essential information for a smooth start.
0 Comments