Former Rep. Chris Stewart is a candidate to serve as director of national intelligence in Donald Trump’s administration, according to three people with knowledge of the discussions.
Stewart, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee during his congressional tenure, was a staunch defender of Trump, particularly during the former president’s first impeachment regarding his dealings with Ukraine.
One factor being weighed is the health of Stewart’s wife, according to two of the people, all of whom were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive internal deliberations. The Utah Republican resigned from Congress last year in the middle of his term to take care of his wife amid her illness.
Another possible landing spot for Stewart, according to one of the people, is head of the CIA.
A spokesperson for Trump’s presidential transition did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Stewart was also a member of the House Appropriations Committee when he resigned from Congress. He is a former Air Force officer and bomber pilot.
After leaving Congress, Stewart launched boutique lobbying firm Skyline Capitol, though he is not a registered lobbyist. Stewart’s firm is partnered with American Global Strategies, a consultancy founded by Robert O’Brien, Trump’s former national security adviser. O’Brien has also been floated for top jobs in the second Trump administration.
