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As a result, candidates for Secretary of Defense face closer scrutiny as to whether they have the political means to cut defense spending, as some members of Congress want, while continuing to fund technology. future trends and prioritize the challenges posed by Russia and China – while maintaining military deterrence against Iran, North Korea and ISIS.
Illinois Democrat and decorated combat veteran Senator Tammy Duckworth is no longer looking seriously, people familiar with the matter said, given Biden’s reluctance to create vacancies in the Senate.
Some progressive groups have rallied in recent days to oppose Flournoy’s appointment, though the delay could also be due to the complicated puzzle Biden is putting together as he tries to keep his promise to build a cabinet. which reflects America’s diversity – a potential factor in the President-elect’s delay in appointing a CIA director as well.
Critics have raised concerns about Flournoy’s potential conflicts of interest, questioning how his support for the rise of former President Barack Obama’s troops in Afghanistan and the continued sale of arms to Saudi Arabia has aligns with the business interests of Booz Allen Hamilton, a Pentagon entrepreneur where she served. board of directors.
They also highlighted Flournoy’s role as a co-founder of WestExec Advisers, whose core business is helping US companies with a global footprint manage geopolitical risk, as a concern. Flounroy founded the consulting firm with Biden’s choice for Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
“In Flournoy’s case, the apparent alignment between his clientele’s interests and his stated political positions – such as his desire to continue selling arms to Saudi Arabia until 2019, which is out of step with Biden and essentially all Congressional Democrats, is of particular concern, ”David Segal, co-founder and executive director of Demand Progress Group, told CNN.
A spokesperson for Flournoy rebuffed the claim, telling CNN: “Michele’s experiences in the private sector do not influence his political views or his work.” The spokesperson also noted that Flournoy “has no involvement in contracting or developing business with any client, including the US government” as a member of Booz Allen’s board of directors.
A WestExec spokesperson told CNN that the company is undertaking “an intensive client auditing process to ensure that the companies we work with and the nature of the work we do for them meet our high ethical standards.”
Applicants are subject to scrutiny for links with defense contractors
While serving on the board of directors of a defense contractor is considered a conflict and usually requires a period of reflection before anyone can be appointed defense secretary, others in the position have similar backgrounds.
Other candidates Biden is considering for the job also have ties to defense contractors.
Johnson sits on the board of defense giant Lockheed Martin Corp., while Austin sits on the board of another weapons contractor, Raytheon Technologies.
Johnson was a Pentagon general counsel, as well as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Austin, a retired Army general who headed Central Command during Obama’s time, would need a Congressional waiver to be confirmed for the civilian post because he retired from active service only four years ago.
Johnson and Austin, who are African-American, are said to be part of the history of the nominees for the post of black first secretary of defense. Likewise, Flournoy, as the first woman to lead the Pentagon.
These factors, the criticisms, and the importance of the post create a specific political challenge for Biden involving Congress and his allies – which makes their opinion on the candidate important to consider.
Some Democrats in the Senate and the House Armed Services Committee have expressed public support for Flournoy in recent days.
“Michele Flournoy has a deep understanding of the existing DOD bureaucracy and the future of our defense. It’s a rare combination. I would love to see her appointed Defense Secretary,” said Rep. Seth Moulton, a Democrat. from Massachusetts who served in the Marines. and is on the House Armed Services Committee, wrote in a tweet last week.
A Democratic Senate aide told CNN last week that senior panel members also believed Flournoy would be a good fit, but said there was little direct contact with Biden’s transition and lawmakers most remained in the dark as to who ultimately will be the elected president. designate.
In a letter to Biden earlier this month that did not name Flournoy, but was widely seen as a denial of his potential nomination, the Democratic representatives. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and Barbara Lee of California, two progressives from La Defense, have no history of employment with a defense contractor. “
For his part, Flournoy has sought to address some of those concerns during a recent call with progressive foreign policy groups, two sources told CNN – including one online for discussion.
“She is interested in understanding the views of progressive groups, and that is why she met them. To hear, firsthand, their point of view. And to clarify the misperceptions that exist about her positions,” said said another source familiar with the conversation and Flournoy. view of the situation.
“I hope if she is named these conversations will continue,” the source added.
A source familiar with Flournoy’s thinking told CNN that his interest in serving on the board of private companies is, in part, to learn. “How can you hold the industry accountable and ensure proper oversight of acquisitions if you don’t understand it?” they said.
When asked if Flournoy would disclose her clients if appointed for the post of Secretary of Defense, her spokesperson said: “As always, Ms. Flournoy will fully comply with the law and with disclosure requirements.”
The announcement of the next Pentagon leader is still expected soon – perhaps later this week or next – but the exact timing depends on a final decision that by the end of Sunday night had not been made, said sources close to the case.
Biden weighs options for CIA director
The opening of the Department of Defense does not take place in a vacuum.
Biden is also still looking for someone to head the Central Intelligence Agency – and Johnson is also said to be at least under consideration for the post, people familiar with the matter have said.
Since the Wyden attacks, senior transition officials have spoken to other Democratic senators, including members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, to discuss possible candidates for the CIA leadership.
Besides Morell, Sue Gordon, former senior deputy director of national intelligence, is also a candidate, people familiar with the matter told CNN, as is Vincent Stewart, a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency and general of the Navy. He too would need a waiver from Congress to take up a civilian post.
The Intelligence Committee is the first glove on the road to confirmation and Gordon “would be very popular if named,” one of the assistants told CNN, suggesting she might have an easier time being confirmed than Morell if he started to take more fire from the progressives.
“I will always be of service to my country,” Gordon told CNN on Monday. “If asked, I would serve.”
Former Obama senior adviser Lisa Monaco and former CIA deputy director David Cohen are also in the running, according to several sources familiar with the discussions.
A transition official said announcements for the Pentagon and the CIA would be made when Biden makes his decisions, dismissing any suggestion of delay. Appointments for the two positions, in addition to others in Cabinet, are expected in December.
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