House Armed Services Committee (HASC) member Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.) met with members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team in New York on Monday to discuss national security matters, according to Bridenstine spokeswoman Sheryl Kaufman.

Bridenstine has been pitching himself for either Air Force secretary or NASA administrator, a source close to the congressman told Defense Daily in November. Bridenstine’s meeting at Trump Tower is likely the first direct discussion with the Trump team as the source said in early November that Bridenstine had not had direct discussions with the Trump transition team (Defense Daily, Nov. 10). Kaufman declined additional comment.

Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.). Photo: Bridestine.
Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.). Photo: Bridestine.

Bridenstine, while interested in either position, seems to prefer Air Force secretary as he’s a former Navy pilot that serves on HASC strategic forces and sea power and projection forces subcommittees. He also serves on the House Science, Space and Technology (SST) environment subcommittee. Bridenstine is known as a driver of space issues on Capitol Hill and earlier this year released his well-received American Space Renaissance bill, intended to serve as piecemeal additions to legislation affecting space issues.