The top contenders for Defense secretary under Trump are being considered.

Washington, D.C. defense security officials are eagerly anticipating President-elect Trump's choice for Defense secretary.

Trump's selection of Rep. Michael Waltz and Sen. Marco Rubio for key foreign policy positions indicates a likely hawkish stance on China and Iran.

The Defense secretary appointed by Trump will oversee significant changes at the Pentagon, including a shift in troop posture abroad and the removal of DEI provisions that were implemented under President Biden.

The government's largest agency is expected to have a loyalist appointed as its leader, with the condition that the nominee must be confirmed by the Senate.

Five men held the Pentagon chief job during his first term, but all of them resigned, were fired, or served as a temporary replacement.

Robert Wilkie, who served as Trump's former Veterans' Affairs secretary, was previously the undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness under Trump and has experience in both the Navy and Air Force Reserve. He is currently leading the Trump transition team with Pentagon staffing.

Wilkie is a fellow at the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute and a military analyst for Newsmax.

Robert O'Brien, Trump's former national security adviser and transition team member, stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that he would definitely return to a Trump administration.

O'Brien has emphasized the importance of shifting U.S. defense focus towards China. He believes that imposing stricter sanctions on Russia is the key to compelling them to negotiate over Ukraine. However, he warns that admitting Ukraine into NATO could lead to a global conflict.

Richard Grenell, who served as Trump's acting director of national intelligence and German ambassador, was anticipated to secure a national security position in this administration. Given that the state and national security adviser roles have been filled, he could potentially be assigned to the Department of Defense.

During the campaign, Trump received foreign policy and political advice from Grenell, who also reached out to Arab Americans in Michigan. In September, Grenell was seen with Trump when they met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

During his tenure in Germany, Grenell was a staunch supporter of Trump and frequently criticized Europe, with the former president making light of Angela Merkel's supposed happiness upon Grenell's appointment to the national security role.

Joni Ernst, the defense-oriented Iowa Republican and GOP conference chair, has been considered as a potential candidate, but she remains focused on her current role. She has also served in the Army Reserve and Iowa Army National Guard.

If picked, she would be the first female Defense secretary.

The House Armed Services Committee head, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., has been contacted by the transition team, a source confirmed.

According to two sources, Trump may choose to appoint someone from the private sector for the role, which could reduce the GOP's narrow majorities in Congress until new seats are filled.

Trump and Rogers hold opposing views on aiding Ukraine.

Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, a retired high-ranking military officer who served in national security posts during Trump's first term, has also been considered as a potential candidate.

"Kellogg stated on Planet Chronicle Radio's Guy Benson that he would be part of a loyal team if the president called him to join his administration."

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., had been a top contender for an administration role, possibly as Defense secretary or CIA head, but withdrew his name from consideration, a source confirmed. He is now running for Republican Conference chair and is expected to succeed Rubio as head of the Intelligence Committee.

On Saturday, Trump announced on Truth Social that neither former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo nor former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley would be joining his administration.

Planet Chronicle' Liz Elkind contributed to this report.