Who is the Secretary of Defense?

The Secretary of Defense is responsible for overseeing the Department of Defense and is the principal defense policy advisor to the President of the United States. This position holds significant authority over military policies, operations, and the overall defense strategy of the country.

Lloyd J. Austin has been serving as the Secretary of Defense since January 22, 2021. His background as a retired four-star Army general and his extensive military experience contribute to his role in shaping national defense policies. Austin’s leadership is crucial, especially in the context of contemporary global threats and military engagement.

Recognizing the roles of the other individuals listed provides context: Carlos Del Toro is the Secretary of the Navy, Mark Esper served as the Secretary of Defense prior to Lloyd Austin from July 2019 to November 2020, and Jim Mattis also held the position of Secretary of Defense from January 2017 to January 2019. Understanding the current and past holders of this key position helps clarify the responsibilities and the significance of the role in U.S. national security.