President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin to be secretary of defense.
If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first Black Pentagon chief.
Austin retired from the Army in 2016, which means he would require a congressional waiver of the legal requirement that a former military member be out of uniform for at least seven years before serving as secretary of defense.
Austin has a reputation for possessing a strong intellect and an aversion to publicity.
Biden said, “General Austin shares my profound belief that our nation is at its strongest when we lead not only by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. Throughout his lifetime of dedicated service — and in the many hours we’ve spent together in the White House Situation Room and with our troops overseas — General Austin has demonstrated exemplary leadership, character, and command. He is uniquely qualified to take on the challenges and crises we face in the current moment, and I look forward to once again working closely with him as a trusted partner to lead our military with dignity and resolve, revitalize our alliances in the face of global threats, and ensure the safety and security of the American people.”
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said, “A seasoned, highly decorated, and trailblazing commander, General Lloyd Austin reflects the very best of our nation. General Austin will modernize our Armed Forces and make sure the United States is prepared to overcome the new threats and new challenges of the future. And President-elect Biden and I will work closely with him — and our entire national security and foreign policy team — to keep the American people safe, support our troops and their families, and rebuild and renew global partnerships and alliances.”
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