Rick Perry, Who Wanted To Scrap Energy Dept., Now Trump’s Top Pick To Lead It

Former Texas Governor Couldn’t Recall Name Of Agency In 2012 Debate

Twice-failed GOP presidential candidate and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is Donald Trump’s leading candidate to head the Department of Energy. 

Bloomberg News reported Sunday that while Perry is at the top of President-elect Trump’s list, Democratic Sens. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, along with Dallas investor Ray Washburn, are still in the mix for the post. 

In 2012, Perry ran on a platform of eliminating the Department of Energy, along with the Department or Commerce and the Department of Education. However, during his infamous “oops” moment in a debate against eventual GOP nominee Mitt Romney, Perry couldn’t recall the third agency he wanted to eliminate. 

After dropping out of this year’s GOP presidential primary, Perry served as a Trump adviser. In August, Perry slammed Gold Star father Khizr Khan for criticizing Trump’s anti-Muslim views during his remarks at the Democratic National Convention. 

Relive Perry’s 2012 “oops” moment below.