Gov. Rick Scott Offers Donald Trump Help to ‘Reinvent’ Federal Government

TALLAHASSEE, FL — After making headlines earlier this month saying he’s not interested in a cabinet-level position in Donald Trump’s administration, Florida Gov. Rick Scott is heading to New York City Thursday for a face-to-face with the country’s next president.

Scott took to Twitter to announce his trip, saying he was looking forward to congratulating the Republican on his Nov. 8 victory over Hillary Clinton. Scott said he plans to offer Trump his "help to reinvent the federal government.” Just what that might mean remains unclear.

Scott has been widely speculated to be one of the people on Trump’s short list for Secretary of Health and Human Services. After Dr. Ben Carson turned down a chance to serve in the administration, just who Trump will appoint remains up in the air.

Scott said last week he would politely decline such an appointment, saying he wants to do everything to help Trump but he loves his job in the Sunshine State.

During this weeks’ Republican Governors Association annual conference in Orlando, Scott hinted at a possible run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Bill Nelson. He told reporters in Orlando that a 2018 run was an “option.” The timing would come as Scott would term out as Florida's governor.

See also: Gov. Rick Scott Going to Washington?

Scott has been a staunch supporter of Trump’s campaign since the New York businessman won the Florida Presidential Preference Primary in March.

In addition to imploring Republicans to end the “Stop Trump” movement, he also was named the national chair for Rebuilding America Now back in July. The super PAC was one of several that supported Trump’s campaign.

“It’s time for us to fire the politicians,” Scott said in a July statement announcing the appointment. “That’s what this election is all about, and that’s why I am excited to chair the Rebuilding America Now Super PAC to help Donald Trump.”

Following the announcement of Trump’s presidential win, Scott took to Twitter to offer his support for the new administration.

“Congrats to my friend @realDonaldTrump, our next president,” he wrote. “Had a smooth election in FL. Look forward to having a partner in the White House.”

Just how serious Scott is exploring a run against Nelson, a Democrat who first won his seat in 2000, remains unclear. It’s also unclear what changes Thursday’s face-to-face meeting with Trump might bring to Scott’s plans.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, also a Trump supporter, has been named to the president-elect's transition team.

Photo via Gov. Rick Scott’s Facebook page