CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., will not join President Donald Trump’s administration following a week of speculation about him being considered as the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Manchin spoke to constituents Friday at the State Fair of West Virginia on issues facing West Virginians, as well as about reports about becoming Energy Secretary.
“That’s not going to happen,” Manchin said, according to Clare Foran with The Atlantic.
CNN also reported Manchin’s decision: “According to a spokesperson from his office, Manchin told the crowd that would not be taking a Cabinet position, but instead will continue to work with the Trump White House in his capacity as a senator.”
Bloomberg reported Aug. 11 Manchin was being considered for the position by White House and Republican officials as part of a deal to move current Secretary Rick Perry to the Department of Homeland Security. John Kelly left that position July 31 to become White House chief of staff.