NSC Official Moved To Energy Department; White House ‘Rejects Rumors’ She’s Anonymous Anti-Trump Author
The White House has denied rumors that Deputy National Security Adviser Victoria Coates is the author of an anonymous New York Times op-ed and subsequent book criticizing the Trump administration, after Coates was abruptly moved to the Energy Department.
“The White House leadership rejects rumors that have circulated recently and does not put any stock in the suggestion that Victoria Coates is the author of Anonymous: A Warning or the related Op-Ed in the New York Times,” a White House official said in a statement to Fox News. “Dr. Coates’ transition to the Department of Energy has been in the works for several weeks and reflects the continued trust and confidence the Administration places in her as she takes on this sensitive role at the Department of Energy, where she will continue working to implement the President’s agenda.”
On Monday, Axios reported that Coates role at the NSC was on the chopping block amid rumors she was the author.
A statement from the NSC also said that Coates’ move will help “ensure the continued close alignment of energy policy with national security objectives,” and that her new position in the Energy Department will be as a senior adviser to the secretary. Her new assignment is effective Monday, they said.
“We are enthusiastic about adding Dr. Coates to DOE, where her expertise on the Middle East and national security policy will be helpful,” said Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette. “She will play an important role on our team.”
National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien said that he is “sad to lose an important member of our team,” but said Coates “will be a big asset to Secretary Brouillette as he executes the president’s energy security policy priorities.” –Fox News
On Tuesday, President Trump said “I know who it is,” after a reporter questioned him on anonymous, adding that he won’t reveal the name publicly.
Coates’ ouster comes amid another staff rotation in the Trump administration, after a Thursday report that President Trump has named the US ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell – who is openly gay, as the new acting director of national intelligence – replacing the current acting head of the country’s 17 spy agencies.
Fifty years ago a gay man or woman couldn’t work in the intelligence community. Today President Trump is appointing an openly gay man to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence. Congratulations, Ambassador @RichardGrenell
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) February 20, 2020
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/20/2020 – 13:12
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