Trump taps Zinke to run Department of Interior, Brewer likely out of Cabinet talk

PHOENIX — President-elect Donald Trump reportedly picked Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) to run the Department of the Interior, likely meaning former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer will not be handed a Cabinet role.

Politico and CNN reported on Trump’s pick Tuesday. The former said Zinke has not accepted the role. He is also favored by some Republican leaders for a 2018 Senate run.

Brewer’s name began entering the Cabinet talk shortly after Trump won November’s general election. Her selection would have come at little surprise, as there were rumors floating around that Brewer was being vetted as a possible vice presidential nominee prior to the selection of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

“Jan Brewer has been fantastic. She has been so fantastic,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News’ “On the Record” in May. “You know I won so big, her territory, we won so big, and she is a fabulous woman.”

But Brewer remained mum when asked if she would accept a Cabinet position should she be offered one.

“You know, I haven’t given that a whole lot of thought,” she told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos. “I would hate to have to think I would have to pick up and move to Washington, D.C. to participate in something like that.”

Brewer said it would be “an awesome opportunity.”

Zinke’s selection likely puts to rest the idea of any other Arizona politician serving in Trump’s White House. Aside from Brewer, outgoing Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl were also part of the rumor mill.

But one Arizona official may still be heading to Washington, D.C. Last week, state Sen. Carlyle Begay claimed on social media that he had been offered a position in the White House.

However, Begay has not confirmed the claim. It is unclear what potential role he might have been offered in the administration.

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