Defense Policy

Michèle Flournoy, co-founder of a Washington, D.C., think tank, may become the new U.S. Defense Secretary under Biden. (Credit: Twitter) President-elect Joe Biden is already shaking up the highest echelons of government by leaning toward appointing the first woman as secretary of Defense. The former vice president is expected to name Michèle Flournoy, a veteran Pentagon official who served in two administrations, to the vaunted role — the first time a woman would hold the position. Flournoy comes with a lot of experience, having served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy under President Bill Clinton and Under Secretary of Defense Policy during President Barack Obama’s administration. She would replace Christopher Miller, the acting secretary after President Trump just days ago, in a tweet, fired Mark Esper — his fifth Pentagon chief in four years — for disagreeing with him on using active-duty military troops against protestors. Born in Los Angeles, California, Flournoy is seen as a moderate Democrat and is known for helping to craft Obama’s policies in Afghanistan and Libya. She co-founded the Center for a New American Security, a for-profit think tank in Washington, D.C., that focuses on national security issues.

Defense Policy

Moving Up the Ranks: Meet the Likely First Female Secretary of Defense

The Story Exchange

Defense Policy

Moving Up the Ranks: Meet the Likely First Female Secretary of Defense

The Story Exchange

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