secretary of defense

Cultural  

1. The civilian head of the United States Department of Defense and a member of the cabinet, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of defense works with civilian and military advisers to formulate American military policies and make foreign policy recommendations to the president.

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Example Sentences

Mara Karlin, who served as assistant secretary of defense for strategy during the Biden administration, said the priority then was beefing up the military presence in the Pacific.

From The Wall Street Journal

When reporters asked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on March 4 how long the war would last, he refused to give a straight answer.

From Salon

In remarks that are likely to stoke concerns through the corridors of CNN, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Friday he is looking forward to Paramount’s ownership of the network.

From Los Angeles Times

Secretary of Defense James Mattis: “The enemy gets a vote.”

From MarketWatch

Secretary of Defense James Mattis: “The enemy gets a vote.”

From MarketWatch