President Trump on Saturday said that it is “possible” the top position at the FBI could be filled by Friday.
“We can make a fast decision,” Trump said when discussing the FBI selection process, according to a White House press pool report.
{mosads}When the commander in chief was asked if the final decision or a formal announcement would be made before he departs to Saudi Arabia on Friday, Trump replied that “even that is possible.”
According to the pool report, Trump also lauded the candidates for the position, calling them “very well known” and “outstanding” people. He did not clarify whether he was referring to the candidates for interim director or the full time position.
“Almost all of them are very well known.,” he said. “They’ve been vetted over their lifetime, essentially. But very well known, highly respected, really talented people. And that’s what we want for the FBI.”
At least four candidates for the permanent position will be interviewed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his deputy Rod Rosenstein on Saturday.
A source told The Hill that the list of possible names includes the Acting FBI Director James McCabe, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas), a former assistant attorney general Alice Fisher and Judge Michael J. Garcia of the New York Court of Appeals.
– This story was updated at 10:29 a.m.