Top candidates don't want Chuck Hagel's job


Maybe the rise of ISIS and cuts to the Defense Department's budget are making the job of Defense Secretary increasingly unappealing. Or at least, that's one possible reason why multiple top candidates have already said they're not interested in filling the shoes of Chuck Hagel, who resigned from the position on Monday.
Fox News reports that Michele Flournoy, the former undersecretary of Defense for policy, and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) emerged as top prospects, but each made clear that they have no desire to take on the Cabinet-level post.
Defense Department spokesman Adm. John Kirby acknowledged that there's "a lot going on around the world and at the Pentagon," and that the high-pressure nature of the job deters many who seek job stability.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Hagel is the third Defense Secretary to serve in the Obama administration in six years.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
July 17 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Thursday’s political cartoons include the IRS allowing churches to endorse from the pulpit, and what Donald Trump thinks the letters ICE really stand for
-
King Charles and Prince Harry: peace in our time?
Leaked images of a secret meeting between royal aides suggest a dialogue is beginning to open up
-
Crossword: July 17, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read