On Friday, the U.S. Secretary of Defense talked of making history.
Lloyd J. Austin knows something about it: He’s the first black American to hold his position.
But now, Lloyd’s eyeing a far-reaching revolution.
The guy knows his way around military service — as reported by NPR, he’s “served more than 40 years in the Army, and headed U.S. Central Command, the Pentagon’s key post leading military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”
And — as illustrated by a morning tweet — he’s shown up to the new post ready to roll:
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as our country’s 28th Secretary of Defense, and I’m especially proud to be the first African American to hold the position. Let’s get to work.”
It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as our country’s 28th Secretary of Defense, and I’m especially proud to be the first African American to hold the position. Let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/qPAzVRxz9L
— Lloyd Austin (@LloydAustin) January 22, 2021
There are certainly deeds on the docket.
Compliments of the incoming crew, there may be a change simmering for service branches.
The Daily Wire lays it out:
During a confirmation hearing on Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Austin had said he supports reversing the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people serving…in the military.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrives at the Pentagon, greeted by @thejointstaff Gen. Mark Milley pic.twitter.com/CBfrU01Zm4
— Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) January 22, 2021
In the man’s own words:
“If you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve and you can expect that I will support that throughout.”
In July 2017, President Trump announced a ban on transgender servicemembers.
From his tweet thread at the time:
“After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow … Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming … victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you.”
But according to Press Secretary Jen Psaki, that’ll likely be reversed “in the coming days and weeks.”
It’s not hard to imagine — after the Democratic dunk of the election, such a score is an easy lay-up.
More evidence of the upcoming alteration: Joe’s new Assistant Secretary of Health.
Biden selects transgender doctor, Rachel Levine, as assistant health secretary https://t.co/wSQuLRdtnW
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 19, 2021
Rachel undoubtedly represents a notable palate cleanse.
Nominated by @POTUS and voted on by the Senate, Lloyd J. Austin III has become the 28th confirmed Defense Secretary and will lead the dedicated men and women of the U.S. armed forces. pic.twitter.com/OkVXyzA1Kv
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) January 22, 2021
One thing’s for certain: This is a brand new era.
And following in the past several years’ footsteps, I expect the new Commander-in-Chief to make short business of reversing all he can from the previous administration.
Except, of course, the good things he can now take credit for.
Such is the way of the world.
And — even more so — the way of Washington.
-ALEX
See more pieces from me:
Brilliant: Amid COVID Closure, a Barbershop Beats the System By Reopening as a Film Studio
Their Name is ‘Brood’: America Prepares for a Plague of ‘Trillions’ of Locusts
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