The appointment would be the latest sign that Trump wants wealthy businessmen rather than military, policy or political leaders to run the military service agencies. A second transition official confirmed that Bilden is now the likely choice, although nothing is final until announced. Forbes had visited Trump Tower multiple times and was approved by top Trump transition officials. He moved to Hong Kong in 1996 to open the Asian subsidiary of HarbourVest Partners, a leading private equity firm, and has lived there ever since. Still, some inside the Defense Department see Bilden’s lack of experience in government or military service as a problem.

Source: Washington Post January 13, 2017 20:19 UTC