Top Pentagon Official Mara Karlin Steps Down Amid Tuberville's Holds

Karlin's Departure Deepens Leadership Gap in Defense Department's Policy Office

Mara Karlin, a top Pentagon official known for her role in developing the Biden administration’s National Defense Strategy, is stepping down at the end of the month.
Karlin's departure means the top two positions in the Department of Defense’s policy office and the top official overseeing Pentagon strategy will be filled by acting officials.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville continues to hold up 11 nominations for senior military and civilian positions in protest of a Pentagon policy that reimburses troops who travel to seek abortions.
Upon Karlin’s departure, Melissa Dalton, the assistant secretary for homeland defense and hemispheric affairs, will perform the duties of the No. 2 policy official.
Karlin is leaving government for a teaching role and will embark on a “semester-at-sea” with her family, serving as a member of an academic team.