Doug Collins not interested in national intelligence role despite Trump interest

Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) on Friday said that he’s not interested in a job as director of national intelligence, despite President Trump floating the idea the previous day.

“This is not a job that interests me; at this time it’s not one that I would accept because I’m running a Senate race down here in Georgia,” Collins told Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria.” “I’m sure the president will pick somebody appropriate for that job.”

Trump floated the idea of nominating Collins to reporters on Air Force One on Thursday night. 

The president on Wednesday named U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as the acting intelligence chief, replacing Joseph Maguire, who also served in an acting capacity since Dan Coats’s departure. The director oversees the nation’s intelligence agencies.

A permanent director would need to be confirmed by the Senate.

Collins is challenging Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) for her seat in a special election in Georgia. His announcement set off a controversy within the Republican Party and raised questions about Trump’s support.

Collins has been one of Trump’s staunchest allies and played a key role in defending the president during the House’s impeachment inquiry as the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee.