Lloyd Austin in Biden Cabinet members actions and issues
On Foreign Policy:
China most significant challenge going forward
During his confirmation hearing, Austin called China "the most significant challenge going forward," adding that
Russia, though "in decline," was also a challenge.
Source: CNN, "Pentagon Chief," on Biden Cabinet
Feb 5, 2021
On Government Reform:
Dismissed members of advisory boards; ordered review
Austin also dismissed hundreds of members of the Pentagon's 40 or more advisory boards and committees, ordering a review of the structure and function of the groups.
The move was largely motivated by the Trump administration stacking the boards with loyalists in its waning days.
Source: CNN, "Pentagon Chief," on Biden Cabinet
Feb 5, 2021
On Homeland Security:
Can't defend America if enemies are within our own ranks
It is one of a number of early priorities that have made Austin's first days at the Pentagon very different from his predecessors', focusing internally on issues within the military, instead of outward on adversaries abroad. "The job of the
Department of Defense is to keep America safe from our enemies. But we can't do that if some of those enemies lie within our own ranks," Austin said at his confirmation hearing.
Source: CNN, "Pentagon Chief," on Biden Cabinet
Feb 5, 2021
On Homeland Security:
Orders Global Posture Review of US military around the world
Austin said on the Defense Secretary's Twitter account that "Per direction from @POTUS, I'll be leading a Global Posture Review of U.S. military forces around the world so our footprint aligns with our national interests."
"We need to make sure we have the right capabilities in the right places & we are supporting the work of our diplomats," Austin tweeted.
Source: UPI "Global Force Posture Review" on Biden Cabinet
Feb 5, 2021
Page last updated: May 20, 2021