U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told troops in a memo released on Thursday that the Pentagon was committed to an orderly transition to the incoming administration of Donald Trump, and that the military would not get involved in politics and was ready to carry out "all lawful orders.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the military on Thursday to carry out a smooth transition to President-elect Donald Trump, with a reminder to the force of its obligation to follow the lawful orders of the next commander in chief.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told U.S. troops that the Pentagon will make a “calm, orderly, and professional transition” to the incoming Trump administration, according to a Wednesday memo. “Our fellow citizens have elected the next President of the United States,

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memorandum to the military on Wednesday announcing that the department “will make a calm, orderly, and professional transition” to the incoming Trump administration.

Senator from Arkansas, Tom Cotton, declined a position in Donald Trump's administration. According to rumors, he was considered for the US Secretary of Defense role, citing CNN. A source informed the publication that people close to Trump suggested Cotton for high-ranking intelligence or national security roles.