Biden Affirms Pentagon Pick as Some Democrats Balk at Waiver
- Some lawmakers had pledged not to repeat a waiver given Mattis
- Retired Army General Austin would be first Black Defense chief
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President-elect Joe Biden said Tuesday he plans to nominate retired Army General Lloyd Austin as defense secretary, a move that would make him the first Black leader of the U.S. military if he can assuage lawmakers’ concern about waiving a restriction designed to preserve civilian control of the Pentagon.
Biden praised Austin, who was the first Black general to command U.S. forces in the Middle East, as a “deeply experienced and highly decorated commander who has served with distinction in several of the Pentagon’s most crucial positions.”