Jan. 22, 2025 Trump names acting secretary of defense, designates acting service secretaries President Donald J. Trump named Robert Salesses as acting secretary of defense pending the confirmation of Pete Hegseth for the position.
Dec. 30, 2024 Austin, Biden Laud Former President Carter's Leadership, Humanity Americans will remember Carter for his leadership in office and his distinguished post-presidency, but the Defense Department also honors his sterling service in uniform, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.