President-Elect Joe Biden has nominated retired General Lloyd Austin as the next Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, he would be America’s first Black Secretary of Defense.
“Gen. 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,” the President-Elect said.
“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 — Gen. Austin has demonstrated exemplary leadership, character and command.”
Austin retired from the military in 2016. Prior to his retirement, he worked as the Commander of U.S. Central Command and the Commanding General in Iraq. He also served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.
“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,” Biden added.
Austin is the latest nomination for the Biden-Harris cabinet. Most recently, reports surfaced that Rep. Marcia Fudge would be tapped to lead HUD.
