US President-elect Joe Biden is expected to name retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to head the Defense Department, three people familiar with the matter told news outlet Politico.
If confirmed, Austin, 67, would be the US' first Black defense secretary.
The retired four-star army general was also the first African American to lead the US Central Command. He stepped down in 2016.
The appointment is expected to be made official Tuesday.
Recently, Biden announced several top picks for the incoming government's health team that will lead the country's coronavirus response.
Biden named California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services, Dr. Rochelle Walensky as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Dr. Vivek Murthy as surgeon general.
In addition, top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci-much maligned and sidelined by President Donald Trump-would retain his post as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
