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Lloyd Austin
Secretary of Defense
Current Defense Secretary, former Raytheon board member
Overview
Lloyd Austin is the current Secretary of Defense and the first African American to hold the position. Prior to his appointment, he served on the board of Raytheon (now RTX), one of the largest defense contractors, representing the revolving door between the Pentagon and defense industry.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
REVOLVING DOOR: Moved from Raytheon board to running Pentagon that awards Raytheon contracts
HOSPITALIZATION SECRECY: Failed to notify president or public of January 2024 hospitalization
AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL: Oversaw chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Joe Biden
Biden appointee as Secretary of Defense
Donald Trump
Oversaw military transition from Trump administration
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- August 8, 1953
- Birthplace
- Mobile, Alabama
Education
- •West Point
- •Auburn University
Key Timeline
August 8, 1953
Born in Mobile, Alabama
2016
Retires from Army as 4-star general
2016-2021
Joins Raytheon board
January 22, 2021
Confirmed as Secretary of Defense