(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 19, 2021, nominee for US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, testifies at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, DC. - The US Senate confirmed Austin as secretary of defense on January 22, 2021, the second cabinet nominee of new President Joe Biden to gain approval and the first African American to lead the Pentagon. (Photo by JIM LO SCALZO / POOL / AFP) Bild: JIM LO SCALZO (POOL)