Biden picks Norquist, others for temporary Pentagon leadership roles

A current defense official, David Norquist, will serve on an interim basis as acting secretary of defense when Joe Biden begins his presidential term next week, according to an internal Pentagon document viewed by Just the News. Norquist now serves as deputy secretary of defense, reporting to acting defense secretary Christopher Miller.

In addition to Norquist, the document named three other officials who will take placeholder roles at the Defense Department.

John Roth, currently an acting undersecretary, will become acting secretary of the Air Force. John Whitley, currently the Army comptroller, will be acting secretary of the Army. Thomas Harker, the Navy comptroller, will act as secretary of the Navy.

Copies of a document containing the names circulated within the Pentagon today have not been released to the public, one defense official said. The respective officials could not immediately be reached by Just the News.