Biden's profoundly private Pentagon pick joins Twitter President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for defense secretary has made his first foray into the world of TwitterRetired Gen. Lloyd Austin's social media debut reflected a recognition within the Biden transition team that the nomination faces hurdles on Capitol Hill from lawmakers who balk at putting a career military officer in what is typically a civilian post. Austin would be the first Black leader of the Pentagon, a historic choice in a year that has seen racial unrest, protests and violence across the country. Under the law, a service member must be out of uniform for at least seven years before serving as defense secretary. The bulk of the other Biden picks for top administration and Cabinet posts have longstanding Twitter accounts. Austin's Twitter video treads a careful line between touting his military career and emphasizing his current status as a civilian.

Source: ABC News December 21, 2020 18:45 UTC