Former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats has reportedly emerged as the leading contender for director of national intelligence in the next administration.
Coats, a Republican, was spotted at Trump Tower shortly after the president-elect’s victory in November, though told reporters at the time he was simply there to lend Trump advice.
“I told them I would assist them, but I am not seeking a specific position,” the retired Hoosier State senator had told reporters after his meeting with the incoming Republican president.
But sources on Trump’s transition team told NBC News on Wednesday that Coats is now seen as a favorite to oversee the National Intelligence Program.
A spokesman for the transition team did not return the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
Trump was previously said to be considering ex-White House hopeful Carly Fiorina and National Security Agency Director Adm. Mike Rogers for the top intelligence position. The DNI post is one of the three remaining Cabinet-level positions the president-elect has yet to fill.
