Key Takeaways:
– Pete Marocco, a former official under President Donald Trump, is back at the Florida-based transition headquarters.
– The former deputy assistant secretary of defense for African Affairs, Marocco is currently working on national security personnel matters.
– He was reportedly spotted at the scene of the U.S. Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, but has not been charged.
Marocco Rejoins Trump’s Team
Pete Marocco, an official under the first Trump administration, is once again working for his former boss. Marocco was known for his role as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for African Affairs. He is now back at Trump’s transition headquarters in Florida, where he’s working on various national security personnel matters.
Interviewing Candidates for Administration Positions
As part of his duties, Marocco is engaged in interviewing candidates to fill several posts in the upcoming administration. This includes positions in the State Department, pointing to a rigorous selection process to ensure the new administration is adequately staffed.
Controversial Figure in Trump’s First Administration
Marocco’s past with the former Trump administration is not without controversy. He gained international criticism during his first stint with the administration. Despite this, he has emerged as a vocal conservative activist, particularly in Dallas.
Allegations about Involvement in January 6 Capitol Attack
Marocco, along with his wife, was allegedly found to be among the crowd that stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, he has strongly denied these claims, referring to them as petty smear tactics and desperate personal attacks. Furthermore, neither Marocco nor his wife have been charged in relation to the incident, putting a question mark on the validity of these allegations.
Adding Value to the Transition Effort
Despite these controversies, the Trump transition spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, speaks highly of Marocco’s contributions. Leavitt believes Marocco’s expertise in national security policy is invaluable and a significant boost to the transition effort.
Dealing with Democratic Opposition and Media Criticism
She also addressed the Democrats and media outlets that believe they can undermine their work by continuing to bring up the Jan 6 incident. Leavitt confidently stated that the same strategies of smears and pretend outrage that failed before would not succeed this time either. She believes the American people see through these tactics and will not be deceived.
Overall, Pete Marocco’s return to Trump’s transition team despite the controversy is opined to add significant value, specifically with regards to their national security policy. As the team is currently in the process of filling administration positions, his expertise could be crucial for efficient decisions. However, it is worth noting that his previous stint with the administration did draw international criticism, and his role during the Capitol attack remains a topic of speculation till he faces a legal verdict.