In a recent statement, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III praised President Joe Biden’s efforts in safeguarding America’s national security. Austin emphasized Biden’s significant role in strengthening the nation’s defense and his lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy.
“President Biden is an extraordinary guardian of America’s national security,” Austin remarked. “I am deeply grateful for his leadership and statesmanship. He has a secure place in American history as one of our great foreign-policy presidents.”
Austin highlighted several key achievements of President Biden’s administration. He noted Biden’s success in renewing and broadening America’s global network of alliances and partnerships, which have been crucial for national security. Biden’s decisive actions in response to the Kremlin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and his strategic positioning of the U.S. in its competition with China were particularly commended.
“He rallied the world to defend Ukraine after the Kremlin’s indefensible, all-out invasion in 2022; he positioned America to succeed in our strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China” Austin said.
The Secretary of Defense also lauded Biden’s efforts in the Indo-Pacific region and his role in bolstering and expanding NATO. Furthermore, Austin acknowledged Biden’s commitment to Israel’s security and his endeavors to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
“President Biden dramatically strengthened U.S. posture in the Indo-Pacific; he bolstered, united, and expanded NATO; he shored up Israel’s security after Hamas’s vile October 7th terrorist assault and worked tirelessly to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza” Austin stated.
Austin praised Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his initiative in launching the historic trilateral AUKUS partnership, aimed at enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, he recognized Biden’s significant role in ending America’s longest war and his steadfast defense of democracy and free government.
“He ended America’s longest war; he helped the United States and the world recover from the COVID pandemic that killed more than a million Americans; he launched the historic trilateral AUKUS partnership to make the Indo-Pacific region more secure,” Austin said. “President Biden has been a stalwart defender of free government, a fearless foe of tyranny, and a historic champion of an open world of rules, rights, and responsibilities.”
In his capacity as Commander in Chief, President Biden has demonstrated a profound commitment to the Department of Defense and the American military. Under his leadership, the recent National Defense Authorization Act supports a historic $841 billion in funding for the Department of Defense, ensuring the U.S. military remains the strongest fighting force globally.
“President Biden has always understood that America’s greatest strategic advantage is our people,” Austin remarked. “He has sought to make America even stronger and more secure by drawing on the full talents of all of our citizenry.”
Austin also highlighted Biden’s efforts in breaking barriers within the Department of Defense, appointing the first female Deputy Secretary of Defense, the first female Secretary of the Army, and the first female Chief of Naval Operations, among other historic appointments. Biden’s dedication to improving the lives of military personnel and their families, including securing significant pay raises, was also noted.
“President Biden cares deeply about our outstanding all-volunteer force and has insisted on making life easier for them and their families,” Austin said. “He always ends his speeches by saying, ‘God bless our troops’—and we know that he means every word, every time.”
Austin concluded his statement by affirming the Department of Defense’s united support for President Biden’s service and leadership.
“The entire Department of Defense stands united today in saluting President Biden’s service to the country that we defend, the Constitution that we revere, and the republic that we love” he declared.