On November 8, 2024, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the military's commitment to obeying "all lawful orders" and maintaining a non-political stance during the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Austin's memo to military personnel did not specify particular policies but highlighted the military's role in national security.
In a separate development, the White House responded to inquiries regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's electoral defeat to Trump. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attributed the loss to various global challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains and inflation. Jean-Pierre emphasized that President Joe Biden remains the only candidate to have successfully defeated Trump in the past, underscoring the administration's respect for the election results and commitment to a smooth transition.