Beltway Confidential

Biden embraces the military-industrial complex over civilian control

By Timothy P. Carney
Published December 9, 2020 3:55pm ET
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Biden embraces the military-industrial complex over civilian control
"I welcome the [Defense Department inspector general's] oversight. And once the investigation is complete, based on the findings, you can be assured I will take appropriate action," said Gen. Lloyd Austin, head of Central Command. | J. Scott Applewhite

Joe Biden’s pick for defense secretary is a decorated soldier and a West Point grad who earned four stars and two advanced degrees amid decades of public service.

He’s also a revolving-door businessman just barely out of the military. As such, he embodies two problems with our governance: the revolving door between industry and government and the subtle erosion of civilian control of the military.

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Crony Capitalism Department of Defense (Department of War) Joe Biden Lobbying Military Pentagon Revolving Door