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President-elect Joe Biden made history with his choice of the first-ever black nominee for Defense Secretary. He nominated retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin as his first defense secretary. However, the criticism overshadowed this history-making moment. Some fear that Austin could weaken civilian control of the military.
On Wednesday, December 9, Biden introduced Austin as his nominee for secretary of defense. Austin would become the first black person to run the Pentagon. Biden feels that Austin is “the right person for the job of leading the Department of Defense at this moment in our nation’s history.” However, that hasn’t stopped criticism about Austin’s ability.
Joe Biden chooses first-ever black nominee for Defense Secretary
As for Joe Biden, he’s confident in his decision. He thinks that Austin is “a leader of extraordinary character, courage, experience and accomplishment.” He even had more kind words to say about the retired Army General.
“Cool under fire. Inspiring the same in all those around him — that’s Lloyd Austin,” Biden added.
He feels that Austin’s military background is perfect for the job. He also admitted that his nomination is more complex previous defense secretaries, including President Donald Trump’s first defense nominee. In order for Congress to approve Biden’s nomination, it would have to waive a law that bans former military officers from becoming defense secretary within seven years of active duty.
Trump previously asked Congress to waive that same law for his first nominee for retired Marine Gen. James Mattis. It prohibits civilian control over America’s armed forces. Mattis’ confirmation was even controversial with Democrats. They argued that a retired general would lead to over-militarization of the government.
As for Austin, he retired in 2016. According to The Washington Post, Mattis passed 81-87 in the Senate and 268-151 in the House. This was the only other allowance made for a defense secretary, second after George Marshall in 150.
How will Democrats feel?
Will the Democrats feel the same that they did with Trump’s nominee? Their position may change with the new president. However, there might be some who could argue with Biden. Earlier this week, some Democrats voiced their concerns when it came to Austin.
They wouldn’t vote in favor of the congressional waiver in order to confirm. While Austin’s confirmation could happen, it could be one of the first conflicts during the Biden administration. Sen. Elizabeth Warren admits that she has “great respect” for the general, but she would vote against the waiver.
“His career has been exemplary, and I look forward to meeting him and talking to him more,” Warren told The Hill on Tuesday, December 8 before adding, “but I opposed a waiver for Gen. Matthis, and I will oppose a waiver for Gen. Austin.”
Both the President-elect and Secretary-designate Austin believe in strong and empowered civilian voices and perspectives shaping the Department of Defense’s policies alongside military leaders, and ensuring that our defense policies are accountable to the American people.
— Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) December 8, 2020
Despite the criticism, the Biden team defended the choice in an op-ed posted on Tuesday.
“The fact is, Austin’s many strengths and his intimate knowledge of the Department of Defense and our government are uniquely matched to the challenges and crises we face,” Biden wrote in The Altantic. “He is the person we need in this moment.”
Regardless, some liberal groups aren’t convinced enough.