The search takes place within the 60-day window of the midterm elections, when the Justice Department has historically avoided such investigative steps related to political candidates.
Ms. Zacharia is a conservative commentator who is also an adviser to the company that runs President Trump’s social media site, Truth Social. She succeeds Karoline Leavitt.
Journeys to destinations including El Salvador and Venezuela could take days and cost millions. Officials cautioned that discussions are still preliminary.
The Training Ship Golden Bear, which was used to educate cadets at Cal Poly Maritime Academy for 30 years, is one of the ships being considered under the hypothetical plan.