Trump Critic Gov. Malloy Re-Appointed By President Trump To Governors' Group

Has President Donald Trump turned into a big ol' softie?

This week the bombastic Commander-in-Chief re-appointed Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy to serve a two-year term as co-chair of the Council of Governors, despite the Democratic governor's on-going feud with the Republican president over policy issues.

Kind of makes you wonder if President Trump knew what he was signing?

The bipartisan council of 10 governors is responsible for addressing matters of national security, homeland defense, synchronization and integration of state and federal military activities in the United States, and matters of mutual interest pertaining to the National Guard, according to Malloy's office.

Malloy has served on the council since 2012 and as its co-chair since 2014.

"It is an honor to have been reappointed to serve as co-chair of the Council of Governors," said Malloy in a statement. "I am extremely proud of the men and women who serve in the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard who risk their lives in support of our state and our nation. Since becoming governor, I have activated Guard forces several times to respond to and recover from domestic emergencies, and I have attended the send-off of thousands of soldiers and airmen as they deploy in support of U.S. overseas operations. The Council of Governors plays a critical role in coordinating state and federal policies and priorities with respect to homeland security and the National Guard. I take this responsibility very seriously and thank the President for his confidence."

Not only has President Trump reappointed a vocal critic of his to an important council, he also potentially elevated a challenger for the 2020 election. Though such talk likely took a bit of a hit when Malloy, whose approval ratings have sunk precipitously over the years, recently announced he would not seek a third term as governor.

In addition to the 10 governors who serve on the council, other federal participants include the secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, presidential homeland security and counterterrorism advisors, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, the commandant of the Coast Guard, and the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The council was established by Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 and implemented by President Barack Obama in Executive Order 13528.

Photo: Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy