Biden to Nominate Retired Army General for Secretary of Defense

President-elect Joe Biden is set to nominate retired Army General Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense. The formal announcement is expected to come later this week. The nomination of the four star general will become yet another historic pick if he’s approved. He’ll be the first African American person to lead the Pentagon. Austin has an extensive military background with over 40 years of experience and served as the first black Vice Chief of Staff of the army before retiring in 2016. Already there’s been push back from members of Congress. The major issue being Austin will need a congressional waiver of the legal requirement that former members of the military be out of uniform at least seven years before serving as secretary. It’s only ever been granted twice with the most recent approval give to President Trump’s Defense Secretary pick. Biden intends to announce more cabinet picks this week, as well.