Watch Live: Biden Introduces His Defense Department Pick

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Lloyd Austin — a retired four-star Army general, pictured in 2016 when he served as commander of the U.S. Central Command — has been selected by President-elect Joe Biden to serve as defense secretary.





Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images



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Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images




A source familiar with the discussions told NPR that Biden came to trust Austin and his experience during Situation Room briefings over the years when Austin was head of Centcom.

If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first African American to lead the Defense Department.



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