POLITICO
Austin's ties to steel company add to concerns over industry influence
Critics say this is yet another knock on a nomination that has already faced opposition due to industry ties and the need to seek a waiver.
Retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, the Biden administration's choice to be secretary of defense, speaks during an event at The Queen theater. | Susan Walsh/AP Photo
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The nomination of retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to be the next defense secretary has raised concerns over his ties to the defense industry, most notably his membership on the board of Raytheon Technologies.
But less well-known is his membership on the board of Nucor, a steel company that's a subcontractor to at least two major defense contractors. The connection could further complicate his confirmation as lawmakers have made clear their wariness of installing Pentagon chiefs with defense industry ties.