Politics

Trump may consider Sarah Palin for VA secretary, source tells NBC

Sarah Palin
Jason Connolly | AFP | Getty Images

Sarah Palin is interested in becoming Veterans Affairs secretary and may be considered for the position, a source close to the former Alaska governor told NBC News.

President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has been in touch with Palin, raising the possibility that it could consider her for the post, the source told NBC.

Palin's son Track served in the Iraq War and pleaded guilty earlier this year to a weapons charge related to a domestic violence arrest. Palin had contended that her son's legal troubles were due to what she characterized as the Obama administration's mistreatment of veterans.

Palin served as Alaska's governor from 2006 to 2009 and was Sen. John McCain's running mate in his 2008 presidential bid. Palin — who like Trump tried to cultivate a conservative outsider brand — endorsed the president-elect earlier this year before voting started in the Republican primary.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has faced accusations of mismanagement and inefficiency, particularly after long wait times were discovered at some veterans' health facilities.

On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly pledged to take better care of veterans if he won the presidency.

NBC News contributed to this report