Pentagon leadership has not yet met with representatives of President-elect Donald Trump’s Administration, but the first conversations are expected this week, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Monday. “We’re ready to welcome them, and help the new team to get started,” Carter said at an event in Washington, D.C., sponsored by The Atlantic magazine. “We’re committed to the transition to the new Commander in Chief.” Carter said he was proud that his administration “adhered to the tradition to stand apart from the political process.” Carter last week sent out a memo to Defense Department staff urging the “orderly transition” to the Trump Administration.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
