Who is identified as the secretary of the Department of Defense?

Who is identified as the secretary of the Department of Defense?

• A. Pete Hegseth
• B. Lloyd Austin
• C. James Mattis
• D. Ash Carter

Answer: (A)

The Secretary of Defense is the President’s senior defense official, heading the Department of Defense and responsible for policy, planning, and budgeting across the department, with Senate confirmation after appointment. The person serving in this role is Lloyd Austin, who took office in January 2021 after a long career as a U.S. Army general. He is notable for being the first Black person to hold the post. Earlier occupants include James Mattis (2017–2019) and Ash Carter (2015–2017). Pete Hegseth is not a defense secretary; he is a media commentator.

The Secretary of Defense is the President’s senior defense official, heading the Department of Defense and responsible for policy, planning, and budgeting across the department, with Senate confirmation after appointment. The person serving in this role is Lloyd Austin, who took office in January 2021 after a long career as a U.S. Army general. He is notable for being the first Black person to hold the post. Earlier occupants include James Mattis (2017–2019) and Ash Carter (2015–2017). Pete Hegseth is not a defense secretary; he is a media commentator.