Trump taps Hutchinson for Council of Governors

President Donald Trump intends to appoint Gov. Asa Hutchinson to a twoyear term on the Council of Governors to advise federal officials on National Guard, homeland defense and defense support for civil authorities, the governor said Thursday.

“President Trump’s nomination is an honor for me and for Arkansas,” the Republican governor said in a news release. “It will be a privilege for me to represent our state and to serve the nation as a member of the Council of Governors. With key military installations in Arkansas, it is an important opportunity to serve on the council, which advises on national defense and security issues.”

The Council of Governors was created by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2008 and formally established by executive order by President Barack Obama on Jan. 11, 2010, the governor’s office said. No more than five members of the same political party may be appointed to the 10-member council. The term of appointment is for two years, but members may be reappointed under the executive order.

Hutchinson has been governor since 2015 and is seeking re-election this year to a second four-year term. He is a former federal homeland security undersecretary, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration director, 3rd District congressman and U.S. attorney.