Trump's Transportation Secretary Pick Elaine Chao: 5 Things You Should Know

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Wednesday, November 30, 2016

2. She is married to Mitch McConnell

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., prepares to speak to supporters while accompanied by his wife, former United States Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, at his midterm election night rally in Louisville, Kentucky, November 4, 2014. Television news networks are projecting that McConnell will win the election. | (Photo: Reuters/John Sommers II)

Chao is married is United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the two tying the knot back in 1993 when Elaine was 40 and McConnell was 51.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new secretary of the Treasury, this would not be the first time spouses were serving simultaneously in two different federal branches.

"At the Transportation Department, Chao would have a key role in helping Trump get an infrastructure spending bill passed through Congress and start government-backed works projects — a role likely to be complicated by her relationship with McConnell, who will also be a critical player in any infrastructure bill negotiations," noted CNN.

"But Chao wouldn't be the first transportation secretary faced with such a conflict -- Elizabeth Dole served in the position from 1983 to 1987, while married to Sen. Bob Dole, who served as majority leader from 1985-1987."