Outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of women and racial diversity in the U.S. military in an exclusive interview with NBC News. Austin, who spent 41 years in uniform, praised the contributions of women in the military and highlighted the role they play in making the armed forces stronger. His successor, Pete Hegseth, has expressed controversial views on women in combat roles, but Austin stressed the value of diversity in the military.
Austin did not comment on Hegseth’s nomination, emphasizing that the president-elect has the right to choose anyone for the position. He also refrained from speculating on President Trump’s plans to use the military for mass deportations, emphasizing the legal framework surrounding the deployment of the armed forces.
Regarding the Ukraine war and Russia’s nuclear weapons policy, Austin stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and has not observed any imminent intent by Russia to use nuclear weapons. He also mentioned the presence of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk area, but clarified that they have not yet been seen fighting alongside Russian forces.
Austin, a four-star general, was appointed as Secretary of Defense by President Biden in 2021. The interview with Austin will be featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.
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