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Rick Perry, who wanted to abolish Department of Energy, is now Trump’s top pick to lead it

It's also the department Perry famously couldn't remember the name of.

 

Monica Riese

Tech

Posted on Dec 13, 2016   Updated on May 25, 2021, 9:47 am CDT

President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks continue apace, with his reported nomination of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to the top spot at the Department of Energy.

Perry’s involvement in a Trump administration was rumored shortly after the election, when the politician/former Dancing With the Stars contestant posted an image on social media with a caption about getting “a call to #makeamericagreatagain.” Sources report Perry had a meeting at Trump Tower earlier this week to discuss his post.

But it’s that his position is reportedly at the Energy Department that’s curious: In a debate during the 2012 primary season, Perry stuttered and forgot the name of the Department of Energy in a gaffe widely dubbed his “oops” moment. He was trying to name the three departments he’d abolish if he became president.

Furthermore, Perry “sits on two corporate boards … that may present a confirmation issue,” according to CBS, including that of Dakota Access LLC subsidiary Energy Transfer Partners.

H/T CBS News

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*First Published: Dec 13, 2016, 10:58 am CST