US defence pick will face tackling major problems

Significance

Esper’s confirmation, which is highly likely, will end the longest period in which the Pentagon has lacked a permanent secretary. The leadership vacuum in the Defense Department is of increasing concern to Congress and to Washington’s defence community, with some concerns that this gap is a greater risk than that posed by US adversaries China, Iran and North Korea.

Impacts

• If confirmed, Esper will likely help navigate towards agreeing this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.
• Esper will face calls to introduce more permanency and transparency to the Defense Department.
• A permanent defense secretary would be better able to command Congress’s attention and conduct diplomacy.