Washington, DC – Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has selected Derek Chollet, a senior State Department official, and veteran policy hand, to serve as the Pentagon’s new chief of staff. Chollet’s appointment comes as the Biden administration works to solidify key defense priorities ahead of the upcoming November elections.
Chollet, a key aide to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has been instrumental in the administration’s efforts to broker a transformative deal in the Middle East. He will be taking over from current chief of staff Kelly Magsamen, who is stepping down this month. Chollet’s nomination last year as the Pentagon’s top policy official faced opposition in the Senate from Republicans over various Pentagon policies.
In a statement, Austin expressed his gratitude to Chollet for taking on the important role at such a critical time. Blinken praised Chollet, likening him to a “quintessential five-tool player” with a wealth of experience from his previous roles in the Pentagon and National Security Council during the Obama administration.
Chollet’s return to the Pentagon comes as the 2024 presidential elections loom, with President Biden facing a competitive race that could potentially see former President Trump reclaiming the White House. Key administration policies, including efforts to assist Ukraine against Russian aggression, are at stake in the upcoming elections.
As Chollet assumes his new role, the focus for national security officials in the months ahead will be on “Trump-proofing” key priorities. This may involve transitioning certain initiatives to multilateral control, such as integrating a U.S.-led forum within NATO that Austin launched to coordinate defense efforts for Ukraine.
Despite potential opposition to Chollet’s nomination from Republican senators, the White House and National Security Council are calling for his confirmation, emphasizing the importance of having a Senate-confirmed undersecretary for policy amidst ongoing conflicts in key regions like Israel and Ukraine. Sullivan, Chollet’s replacement at the State Department, has been working closely with Blinken on efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and improve conditions for both Israelis and Palestinians.