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This news was reported by US media. General Austin, 67, will become the first African-American to lead the Pentagon.
He led the US Central Command during the Obama administration. He needs to have congressional support for the position he is holding after about seven years of retirement.
Biden’s decision comes two weeks after he announced another senior member of his national security team. (Also read: Angry at losing, Trump called the US a ‘Third World Country’)
Biden and General Austin have so far not provided public comment on the matter. (See Infographics: The Horrible Sniper Rifle Of The Nation’s Children, Makes Tanks Not Move)
Earlier media reports suggested the Democratic president-elect would nominate veteran Pentagon official Michele Flournoy for the position. If so, Flournoy will be the first woman to hold the position. (See Video: Floods Inundate Several Areas in Jakarta)
Biden defeated Republican President Donald Trump in the November 3 election, and is due to be sworn in on January 20.
Trump continues to refuse to accept defeat in the election. He accused, without evidence, of widespread election fraud and fraud.
Who is General Austin?
Politico first reported on Biden’s decision to appoint General Austin as defense minister, citing three people with knowledge of the situation.
It said General Austin was once seen as a long-term candidate, but in recent days he has emerged as the strongest candidate and the safe choice.
CBS, mitra media BBC in the US, then quoted several people with knowledge of the plan.
Reportedly, General Austin’s emergence as a potential choice comes amid growing calls from national civil rights organizations and the Asian Democratic, Black and Latin American caucuses to ensure Biden nominates minorities and women for senior cabinet posts.
Meanwhile, CNN citing sources as saying Biden had offered General Austin the job over the weekend and he agreed.
The four-star general in 2013-2016 led the US Central Command, whose area of responsibility includes the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia.
Previously he was deputy chief of staff of the army and last commander of US forces in Iraq.
During these years he worked closely with Biden, who was vice president in President Barack Obama’s administration.
“However, General Austin faces several hurdles, including his position in recent years on the board of directors for defense contractors at Raytheon,” the report states. CBS.
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