Perry allies reject reports of DOE departure

摘要

This story was updated at 2:05 p.m. EDT. Numerous sources close to Energy Secretary Rick Perry are pushing back on reports suggesting the former Texas governor may leave the agency to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs are untrue. Reports emerged from the Associated Press, CNN and The New York Times last night that President Trump during a Monday lunch with Perry floated the idea of him replacing embattled Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin. The AP, for example, cited a source familiar with White House discussions unauthorized to discuss internal deliberations. The White House and DOE declined to comment when asked about the reports. But Marc Palazzo, a consultant who served as a "Sherpa" for Perry during the transition, said the former Texas governor is staying put. "I know he is happy serving as Energy secretary and looks forward to continuing in that role," said Palazzo, president of Austin, Texas-based SLR Public Affairs.