Texas businessman and GOP money man Ray Washburne is being considered by President-elect Trump for interior secretary.
“Yes,” Washburne said when the Washington Examiner reached him Thursday and asked if he is in contention for the post.
In a subsequent email after this story published, Washburne insisted he was only confirming his presence at Trump Tower — and not that he was seeking an administration role.
Washburne was spotted Wednesday by reporters inside Trump Tower, where the president-elect has been interviewing prospective Cabinet and administration officials.
Asked by a reporter if he was there for job interview, Washburne said: “Just hanging out … I thought the weather was nicer here than in Dallas.”
CNBC cited sources within the Trump transition effort last week naming Washburne as a potential pick for the job.
A variety of other Republicans have been mentioned as possible choices for interior secretary, including Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Washburne is a top GOP fundraiser, having served as national finance chairman at the Republican National Committee, national finance chairman for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s presidential campaign and vice chairman of the Trump Victory Committee. He is now part of Trump’s transition team and serves as a finance vice chairman for Trump’s inauguration.
Washburne is CEO of Charter Holdings, owner of Highland Park Village in Texas and an owner of Mi Cocina and Taco Diner restaurants.
The Department of the Interior, according to its website, ”protects and manages the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage.”
