This is a little unusual for this stage in a transition: President-elect Joe Biden explains in The Atlantic why he chose retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense.
“Lloyd Austin retired from military service more than four years ago. The law states that an officer must have left the service at least seven years before becoming secretary of defense. But I hope that Congress will grant a waiver to Secretary-designate Austin, just as Congress did for Secretary Jim Mattis. Given the immense and urgent threats and challenges our nation faces, he should be confirmed swiftly.”
This piece, coupled with a statement from Michelle Flournoy just as the pick was announced, suggests that the Biden team believes it has work to do to sell this one.
Save to Favorites