This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
On Wednesday the Pentagon announced billionaire former Republican New York City Mayor and 2020 Democrat Presidential Candidate Mike Bloomberg will lead the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Board.
In a press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby announced Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had nominated Bloomberg to serve as the chair of the Defense Innovation Board.
Kirby’s comments about Bloomberg begin after the 3 min mark in this video:
“Mr. Bloomberg, as you all know, an entrepreneur and a leader who served three terms as the mayor of New York City, will bring a wealth of experience in technology, innovation, business and government to the Defense Innovation Board,” Kirby said.
“His leadership will be critical to ensuring the department has access to the best and brightest minds in science, technology and innovation through the team of diverse experts that he will lead as chair of that board,” Kirby added.
Following the Pentagon nomination announcement, Bloomberg said, “Innovation and adaptability are absolutely critical at any large organization, and there is no organization bigger or more complex than the Department of Defense. With rapid advances in technology happening alongside rapidly evolving threats to our national security and the safety of our service members, our largest government agency must also be our most forward-thinking. I’m honored to work with Secretary Austin, Deputy Secretary Hicks, other senior Defense Department leaders and innovators from government and business to help bring new ideas and outside perspective that can help protect Americans and our values, interests, and allies around the world.”
Bloomberg is the founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies. He also serves as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions, and the World Health Organization (WHO’s) Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries.
Bloomberg was also a late entrant in the Democrat 2020 presidential primaries. He dropped out in early March of that year, about three and a half months after launching his campaign.
The Defense Innovation Board was established in 2016 with the mission to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Defense and other senior military leaders about emerging technologies and innovations.
“Through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, the Defense Innovation Board provides the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other senior leaders independent advice and recommendations on how to accelerate innovation and compete in a technology-and-innovation-driven environment,” the Pentagon said.
