“It’s the China connection: “Elaine Chao was born in Taipei, Taiwan….”
To be sure it’s that pesky China connection. Chao’e parents may have gone to Taiwan after the revolution but what ties remained? I recall reading that Chao’s parents (father?) stayed in touch with a family friend. That friend eventually attained some level of senior leadership in the Red Chinese government. Sometime in the past 5-6 years, family ties were publicized during a visit by a senior Chinese official if not head-of-state.
Appearance of conflict being one thing, it’s bad enough she’s married to McConnell. I wouldn’t push the envelope further by appointing her to a Cabinet position. DOT may be some relative backwater but she’ll be docking at Cabinet where all level of cargo is off-on loaded.
She’s a smart lady. In fact, she’s the epitome of the arranged marriage, political, economic and social success, and elevation to current key position.
If still in China, she would be lionized.