Regulations and Government
Trump Will Take a Tougher Line With Adversaries, Senator Says
U.S. senator and war veteran Cotton is among names the president-elect was considering to head the Pentagon.
Arkansas senator Thomas Cotton, left, is interviewed by journalist David Sanger at the Defense One Summit. (Photo: Bill Carey)
Arkansas senator Thomas Cotton, left, is interviewed by journalist David Sanger at the Defense One Summit. (Photo: Bill Carey)

One prominent candidate who is reported to be under consideration for the role of U.S. defense secretary in the coming Trump administration would shore up the nation’s nuclear triad, replace aging B-52 bombers with the new B-21 Raider and take a hard line against Iran.