Energy Secretary Rick Perry is laying down the groundwork and preparing his departure from the Trump administration, according to a new report released Thursday.
Mr. Perry has allegedly been considering an exit for weeks, with one person saying he hasn’t made up his mind yet. Despite this, he has begun to finalize the timing of when he would exactly leave, according to anonymous sources speaking with Bloomberg who are familiar with the matter.
The report also said he has been prepping Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette to assume the role of acting secretary.
Energy Department spokesperson Shaylyn Hynes said in a statement that Mr. Perry would not be departing his Cabinet position anytime soon, saying “he is happy where he is serving President Trump and leading the Department of Energy.”
Sources said the Texas Republican wants to leave the administration before the end of Mr. Trump’s first term to grow his finances before retirement.
Two people said Mr. Perry also turned down Mr. Trump’s offer to lead the Department of Homeland Security earlier this month after asking the former secretary, Kirstjen Neilsen, to resign.
Mr. Perry, who previously had been Texas’ longest-serving governor, originally said he intended to abolish the Energy Department during his 2012 presidential campaign.
• Bailey Vogt can be reached at bvogt@washingtontimes.com.
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