Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to bid farewell to President-elect Trump in a speech Friday morning, days before he returns to the White House.
The country's first black defense secretary faced at least three major global conflicts during his four years at the helm of the Pentagon. Austin also faced scrutiny for not being transparent about his cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospital visits.
Austin spent more than 40 years in uniform, retiring as a four-star Army general. He took command of the Pentagon through the Biden administration.
The defense secretary's remarks came after President Biden delivered his final address to U.S. service members on Thursday, touting the nation's accomplishments while praising the military and reminding them to remember their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. did.
“We salute your contributions to the republic we protect, and we deeply appreciate your love for our military,” Austin said as he introduced Biden.
Farewell speeches from Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall near the Pentagon in northern Virginia are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Watch the live video above.
