Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Trump dismisses climate change role in fires, says Newsom needs to manage forest better Jimmy Kimmel hits Trump for rallies while hosting Emmy Awards MORE tweeted that he is strongly considering retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for secretary of Defense — but Flynn would not be eligible to hold the post.

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The secretary of Defense must be at least seven years removed from active duty as a commissioned officer in the armed forces under federal law, because the position is intended for a civilian.

The National Security Act of 1947 originally required an interval of 10 years after relief from active duty, but it was reduced to seven years in 2008.

Flynn retired from the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014.

Trump retweeted a supporter Friday night saying "General Michael Flynn will make a great Secretary of Defense when you become POTUS! #MakeAmericaSafeAgain"

"@Theresa_Cali: @realDonaldTrump General Michael Flynn will make a great Secretary of Defense when you become POTUS! #MakeAmericaSafeAgain" — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2016

Congress would have to issue a waiver, as it did for George Marshall in 1950, to overrule the restriction.

Flynn, a registered Democrat who served under President Obama, spoke on behalf of Trump at the Republican National Convention and was once on the shortlist to be Trump's running mate.

He left the Obama administration after clashing with top officials in 2014.

"We are tired of Obama's empty speeches and his misguided rhetoric," Flynn said at the convention Monday.

"This has caused the world to have no respect for America's word, nor does it fear our might."

Updated at 3:55 p.m.