On November 25, 2016, it was reported that McFarland was selected as President-elect Donald Trump's Deputy National Security Advisor, a position that does not require Senate confirmation.
McFarland had no existing relationship with Trump before his campaign but knew his two older sons from their appearances on Fox News, while he liked her appearances on that channel.
It would represent McFarland's first government position in over 30 years.
Following her selection, McFarland pulled down her website and expunged her public social media accounts.

The selection surprised some people given McFarland's length of time away from government and the fact that she had little experience with intense extra-hours positions and personnel and crisis management.
However, her former boss Henry Kissinger praised the selection.
Retired general Michael T. Flynn, who had been selected as President Trump's national security adviser, had ties to McFarland and tweeted a welcome to her.
Hawk and former Senator Joe Lieberman also praised McFarland for being "one of our country's most experienced, informed and wise foreign policy and national security experts".
On November 25, 2016, it was reported that McFarland was selected as President-elect Donald Trump's Deputy National Security Advisor, a position that does not require Senate confirmation. McFarland had no existing relationship with Trump before his campaign but knew his two older sons from their appearances on Fox News, while he liked her appearances on that channel. It would represent McFarland's first government position in over 30 years. Following her selection, McFarland pulled down her website and expunged her public social media accounts.
The selection surprised some people given McFarland's length of time away from government and the fact that she had little experience with intense extra-hours positions and personnel and crisis management. However, her former boss Henry Kissinger praised the selection. Retired general Michael T. Flynn, who had been selected as President Trump's national security adviser, had ties to McFarland and tweeted a welcome to her. Hawk and former Senator Joe Lieberman also praised McFarland for being "one of our country's most experienced, informed and wise foreign policy and national security experts".
K. T. McFarland