Editor's note; The video above is from May 30, 2019, showing Shanahan commenting on reports about a request to hide the USS John McCain from President Trump during his visit to Japan.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has removed his name from consideration for the permanent position, President Donald Trump announced on Twitter Tuesday. Trump will have his third defense secretary in less than six months, and it comes as the U.S. faces increasing tensions with Iran.

"Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family," Trump Tweeted.

Trump said Secretary of the Army Mark Esper will be the new Acting Secretary of Defense.

USA TODAY reported Tuesday that the FBI has been looking into a domestic violence incident between Shanahan and his former wife from nine years ago. Each of them reportedly told police they had been punched by the other. Shanahan reportedly said he "never laid a hand on" her.

It's immediately unclear if this revelation played role in Shanahan's departure from Trump's cabinet. It's an episode which likely would have been brought up during his confirmation hearings.

"Our story is not dissimilar to those of the many families facing the difficult challenges that come when a loved one struggles with substance abuse and other emotional issues as is the case with my former-wife," he wrote.

Esper will be the third defense secretary -- confirmed or acting -- in the first 2 1/2 years of the Trump Administration. James Mattis held the position until Dec. 31, 2018. Mattis initially announced he would leave

Secretary of the Army Mark Esper speaks during a House Armed Services Committee budget hearing for the Departments of the Army and Air Force on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

This is a story. Check back for updates. </s> President Donald Trump announced he is pulling the nomination of Acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan – following revelations about years-old domestic violence claims involving Shanahan and his former wife.

'Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family,' Trump wrote on Twitter Tuesday.

'I thank Pat for his outstanding service and will be naming Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, to be the new Acting Secretary of Defense. I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!' the president wrote.

Trump's tweet followed revelations that federal authorities are investigating a nine-year old domestic violence claim against Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, whose formal nomination to the post has been delayed for more than a month.

The accusation stems from an incident where Shanahan's wife was charged following a drunken brawl that ended up on the sidewalk outside their family home – although the charges were later dropped.

Trump's move leaves the Pentagon with yet another 'acting' head, as the nation continues to wage wars abroad amid new tensions with Iran.

Shanahan, a former Boeing executive who has been serving in his position on an acting basis without Senate confirmation, got in a heated dispute with his former wife that turned violent, according to a police report and a prolonged divorce battle in court.

The alleged domestic violence took place in August, 2010, and ended up outside the then-couple's Seattle home after police were called.

According to a police report on the incident, Patrick Shanahan was seated on a sidewalk outside the couple's home and had a black eye and a bloody nose after the incident.

Kimberley 'appeared to be intoxicated,' according to the officer. When he asked her for a description of what hapenned that night, she repeatedly kept 'referring to the past,' according to the officer.

Kimberley Shanahan said Patrick Shanahan struck her 'several times' in the stomach, but the officer didn't notice any visible marks. She was arrested and charged with domestic violence, after the officer determined she was the 'primary aggressor,' in part because she had blood stains on her forearm.

Shanahan said he 'never laid a hand on' his former wife, USA Today reported.

The acting Pentagon chief told the paper the incident 'is not dissimilar to those of the many families facing the difficult challenges that come when a loved one struggles with substance abuse and other emotional issues. I wish nothing but the best for her and regret that my children's privacy has been violated and they are being forced to relive a tragic situation that we have worked so hard as a family to put behind us.'

Said Shanahan: 'Though my marriage ended in sorrow and disappointment, I never laid a hand on my then-wife and cooperated fully in a thorough law enforcement investigation that resulted in her being charged with assault against me—charges which I had dropped in the interest of my family.

The incident played out through the couple's lengthy divorce proceedings. Each acknowledged they had been drinking. Kimberley now goes by Kimberley Jordinson.

The delay in confirmation comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with the U.S. dispatching an additional 1,000 troops to the region amid attacks on oil tankers that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attributes to Iran, which is ramping up its uranium enrichment.

Shanahan's replacement, Esper, spent years as an executive at major defense contractor Raytheon. He also attended West Point, got a doctorate in public policy, and served as a high level Senate aide. He served as an infantry officer and was awarded the bronze star.

Amid the delay in Shanahan's formal nomination, Senators were being told of delays in the background check, Yahoo News reported earlier Tuesday.

Trump elevated him after former Defense Secretary James Mattis resigned with a letter that provided a stunning rebuke.

'My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held,' Mattis wrote the president.

'Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position,' he added.

He is just the latest official to depart the White House known for tumultuous turnover and vetting problems.

Last week, Trump announced that White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was leaving.

The history of an alleged domestic violence incident, despite the complicated circumstances and the initial conclusion that he was his wife was primarily responsible, may have been untenable due to an earlier White House departure.

Former Staff Secretary Rob Porter, a key aide to Trump who controlled what paper made it to the president's desk, left his position after it was revealed that two ex-wives had accused him of domestic violence.

Porter denied the charges, which emerged during an FBI check into his background, but ended up leaving his position.

Watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, blasted Trump's new acting Pentagon head.

'In Patrick Shanahan, President Trump had an acting Secretary of Defense whose decisions were overshadowed by his previous senior position at Boeing. His successor will likewise risk being tainted by his previous work for a major defense contractor,' the group wrote in a statement.

'Esper joined the government following years as a top lobbyist for Raytheon. Already this week, Raytheon has won multiple government contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. While Esper may not have had sway over these types of deals as Secretary of the Army, as acting Secretary of Defense he will have potential influence over such deals, as well as over the controversial proposed merger of Raytheon and UTC to become the second largest defense company in the US. His ethics agreement—and his ability to follow it—will be something we will be watching closely,' it said.

The company proposed the merger with UTC last month. Trump told CNBC he was a 'little concerned' the defense giant could harm competition.

The police reports and hundreds of pages of divorce proceedings had the potential to turn Shanahan's required confirmation hearings into a spectacle.

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's own televised hearing featured accusations of underage drinking and accusations of sexual misconduct and misconduct that Kavanaugh forcefully denied.

There were other issues yet to be fully aired. In addition to the incident with his wife that resulted in Shanahan saying he saw stars and suffered a black eye, his son was arrested for allegedly hitting his mother with a baseball bat, the Washington Post reported.

Shanahan told the paper: 'Bad things can happen to good families ... and this is a tragedy, really.' He said bringing up the incident 'will ruin my son's life.'

In a bizarre incident he now regrets, Shanahan wrote a letter defending his son, William Shanahan, in a vicious beating incident involving Shanahan's ex wife.

The November 2011 attack knocked Kimberley unconscious and lying in a pool of blood, according to the Post, which cited court and police records and resulted in a fractured skull.

Shanahan now says he regrets writing the memo he sent to the brother of his ex wife.

'Use of a baseball bat in self-defense will likely be viewed as an imbalance of force,' Shanahan wrote hours after the incident. 'However, Will's mother harassed him for nearly three hours before the incident.'

Shanahan explained this week: 'That document literally was, I sat down with [my son] right away, and being an engineer at an aerospace company, you write down what are all of the mitigating reasons something could have happened. You know, just what's the list of things that could have happened?' </s> President Donald Trump announced he is pulling the nomination of Acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan – following revelations about years-old domestic violence claims involving Shanahan and his former wife.

'Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family,' Trump wrote on Twitter Tuesday.

'I thank Pat for his outstanding service and will be naming Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, to be the new Acting Secretary of Defense. I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!' the president wrote.

Trump's tweet followed revelations that federal authorities are investigating a nine-year old domestic violence claim against Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, whose formal nomination to the post has been delayed for more than a month.

The accusation stems from an incident where Shanahan's wife was charged following a drunken brawl that ended up on the sidewalk outside their family home – although the charges were later dropped.

Trump's move leaves the Pentagon with yet another 'acting' head, as the nation continues to wage wars abroad amid new tensions with Iran.

Shanahan, a former Boeing executive who has been serving in his position on an acting basis without Senate confirmation, got in a heated dispute with his former wife that turned violent, according to a police report and a prolonged divorce battle in court.

The alleged domestic violence took place in August, 2010, and ended up outside the then-couple's Seattle home after police were called.

According to a police report on the incident, Patrick Shanahan was seated on a sidewalk outside the couple's home and had a black eye and a bloody nose after the incident.

Kimberley 'appeared to be intoxicated,' according to the officer. When he asked her for a description of what hapenned that night, she repeatedly kept 'referring to the past,' according to the officer.

Kimberley Shanahan said Patrick Shanahan struck her 'several times' in the stomach, but the officer didn't notice any visible marks. She was arrested and charged with domestic violence, after the officer determined she was the 'primary aggressor,' in part because she had blood stains on her forearm.

Shanahan said he 'never laid a hand on' his former wife, USA Today reported.

The acting Pentagon chief told the paper the incident 'is not dissimilar to those of the many families facing the difficult challenges that come when a loved one struggles with substance abuse and other emotional issues. I wish nothing but the best for her and regret that my children's privacy has been violated and they are being forced to relive a tragic situation that we have worked so hard as a family to put behind us.'

Said Shanahan: 'Though my marriage ended in sorrow and disappointment, I never laid a hand on my then-wife and cooperated fully in a thorough law enforcement investigation that resulted in her being charged with assault against me—charges which I had dropped in the interest of my family.

The incident played out through the couple's lengthy divorce proceedings. Each acknowledged they had been drinking. Kimberley now goes by Kimberley Jordinson.

The delay in confirmation comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with the U.S. dispatching an additional 1,000 troops to the region amid attacks on oil tankers that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attributes to Iran, which is ramping up its uranium enrichment.

Shanahan's replacement, Esper, spent years as an executive at major defense contractor Raytheon. He also attended West Point, got a doctorate in public policy, and served as a high level Senate aide. He served as an infantry officer and was awarded the bronze star.

Amid the delay in Shanahan's formal nomination, Senators were being told of delays in the background check, Yahoo News reported earlier Tuesday.

Trump elevated him after former Defense Secretary James Mattis resigned with a letter that provided a stunning rebuke.

'My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held,' Mattis wrote the president.

'Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position,' he added.

He is just the latest official to depart the White House known for tumultuous turnover and vetting problems.

Last week, Trump announced that White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was leaving.

The history of an alleged domestic violence incident, despite the complicated circumstances and the initial conclusion that he was his wife was primarily responsible, may have been untenable due to an earlier White House departure.

Former Staff Secretary Rob Porter, a key aide to Trump who controlled what paper made it to the president's desk, left his position after it was revealed that two ex-wives had accused him of domestic violence.

Porter denied the charges, which emerged during an FBI check into his background, but ended up leaving his position.

Watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, blasted Trump's new acting Pentagon head.

'In Patrick Shanahan, President Trump had an acting Secretary of Defense whose decisions were overshadowed by his previous senior position at Boeing. His successor will likewise risk being tainted by his previous work for a major defense contractor,' the group wrote in a statement.

'Esper joined the government following years as a top lobbyist for Raytheon. Already this week, Raytheon has won multiple government contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. While Esper may not have had sway over these types of deals as Secretary of the Army, as acting Secretary of Defense he will have potential influence over such deals, as well as over the controversial proposed merger of Raytheon and UTC to become the second largest defense company in the US. His ethics agreement—and his ability to follow it—will be something we will be watching closely,' it said.

The company proposed the merger with UTC last month. Trump told CNBC he was a 'little concerned' the defense giant could harm competition.

The police reports and hundreds of pages of divorce proceedings had the potential to turn Shanahan's required confirmation hearings into a spectacle.

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's own televised hearing featured accusations of underage drinking and accusations of sexual misconduct and misconduct that Kavanaugh forcefully denied.

There were other issues yet to be fully aired. In addition to the incident with his wife that resulted in Shanahan saying he saw stars and suffered a black eye, his son was arrested for allegedly hitting his mother with a baseball bat, the Washington Post reported.

Shanahan told the paper: 'Bad things can happen to good families ... and this is a tragedy, really.' He said bringing up the incident 'will ruin my son's life.' </s> WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan is withdrawing his nomination to lead the Pentagon.

The abrupt announcement came in a tweet from the president, who said Shanahan had done "a wonderful job" but would step aside to "devote more time to his family."

The president added that the Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, will be the new acting secretary.

"I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!" Trump said in a second tweet on the subject.

The post atop the Pentagon has not been filled permanently since Gen. James Mattis retired in January following policy differences with Trump.

Trump announced in May that he would nominate Shanahan but the formal nomination process in the Senate had been inexplicably delayed

Shanahan, a former Boeing executive, has been leading the Pentagon as acting secretary since Jan. 1, a highly unusual arrangement for arguably the most sensitive Cabinet position.

In his tenure at the department he's had to deal with a wide array of international hotspots, ranging from missile launches by North Korea to the sudden shift of military ships and aircraft to the Middle East to deal with potential threats from Iran.

Shanahan, 56, had extensive of experience in the defense industry but little in government. In more than four months as the acting secretary, he focused on implementing the national defense strategy that was developed during Mattis' tenure and emphasizes a shift from the resources and tactics required to fight small wars against extremist groups to what Shanahan calls "great power" competition with China and Russia. </s> WASHINGTON — The Latest on Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan’s decision to step down (all times local):

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan is citing a “painful” family situation as he steps down from the position before his formal nomination has even been sent to the Senate.

President Donald Trump announced Shanahan’s departure in a tweet, and said Army Secretary Mark Esper would be the new acting Pentagon chief.

Shanahan says he believes “continuing in the confirmation process would force my three children to relive a traumatic chapter in our family’s life.” He is not providing specifics, but court records show a volatile family history around the time of his 2011 divorce.

His withdrawal from one of the most critical roles in the government comes at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Top Senate Democrats say Patrick Shanahan’s sudden withdrawal Tuesday from consideration as defense secretary shows the shortcomings of White House vetting for key Trump administration jobs.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says “this Shanahan fiasco shows what a shambles, what a mess” the administration’s national security policy is.

Senators say they were largely unaware of allegations around Shanahan’s family situation when he was confirmed as deputy defense secretary in 2017.

Republican Lindsey Graham says he had heard “rumors” of potential problems.

Democrat Richard Blumenthal is raising the possibility of “deliberate concealment” of Shanahan’s past. He is calling for an investigation by the Defense Department’s inspector general.

Armed Services Committee Chairman James Inhofe of Oklahoma is defending the vetting process. He says Trump called him shortly before publicly announcing Shanahan’s withdrawal.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan says he stepped down before his formal nomination ever went to the Senate over a “painful” family situation that would hurt his children and reopen “wounds we have worked years to heal.”

President Donald Trump announced Shanahan’s departure in a tweet, and said that Army Secretary Mark Esper would be the new acting Pentagon chief.

“It is unfortunate that a painful and deeply personal family situation from long ago is being dredged up and painted in an incomplete and therefore misleading way in the course of this process,” Shanahan said in a statement. “I believe my continuing in the confirmation process would force my three children to relive a traumatic chapter in our family’s life and reopen wounds we have worked years to heal. Ultimately, their safety and well-being is my highest priority.”

He provided no other details.

President Donald Trump says Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan is withdrawing his nomination.

Trump tweeted Tuesday that Shanahan had done “a wonderful job” but would step aside to “devote more time to his family.”

The president added that the Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, will be the new acting secretary.

The post atop the Pentagon has not been filled permanently since Gen. James Mattis retired in January.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. </s> President Donald Trump has announced that acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan is withdrawing his nomination to lead the Pentagon.

The abrupt announcement came in a tweet from the president, who said Mr Shanahan had done “a wonderful job” but would step aside to “devote more time to his family”.

The president added that the Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, will be the new acting secretary.

“I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!” President Trump said in a second tweet on the subject.

The post at the Pentagon has not been filled permanently since Gen James Mattis retired in January following policy differences with President Trump.

President Trump announced in May that he would nominate Mr Shanahan, but the formal nomination process in the Senate had been inexplicably delayed.

Mr Shanahan, a former Boeing executive, has been leading the Pentagon as acting secretary since January 1, a highly unusual arrangement for arguably the most sensitive Cabinet position.

In his tenure at the department, he has had to deal with a wide array of international hotspots, ranging from missile launches by North Korea to the sudden shift of military ships and aircraft to the Middle East to deal with potential threats from Iran.

Mr Shanahan, 56, had extensive of experience in the defence industry but little in government.

In more than four months as the acting secretary, he focused on implementing the national defence strategy that was developed during Mr Mattis’ tenure and emphasises a shift from the resources and tactics required to fight small wars against extremist groups to what Mr Shanahan calls “great power” competition with China and Russia. </s> Editor's note; The video above is from May 30, 2019, showing Shanahan commenting on reports about a request to hide the USS John McCain from President Trump during his visit to Japan.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan is resigning and pulling his name from consideration for the permanent job, President Donald Trump announced on Twitter Tuesday. Trump will have his third defense secretary in less than six months and it comes as the U.S. faces increasing tensions with Iran.

"Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family," Trump Tweeted.

Trump said Secretary of the Army Mark Esper will be the new Acting Secretary of Defense.

Trump announced in May that he would nominate Shanahan but the formal nomination process in the Senate had been inexplicably delayed.

USA TODAY reported Tuesday that the FBI has been looking into a domestic violence incident between Shanahan and his former wife from nine years ago. Each of them reportedly told police they had been punched by the other. Shanahan reportedly said he "never laid a hand on" her.

"Our story is not dissimilar to those of the many families facing the difficult challenges that come when a loved one struggles with substance abuse and other emotional issues as is the case with my former-wife," Shanahan reportedly wrote in a statement Monday night.

Shanahan addressed the issue again Tuesday in announcing his resignation, indicating it likely would have been brought up during his confirmation.

"After having been confirmed for Deputy Secretary less than two years ago, it is unfortunate that a painful and deeply personal family situation from long ago is being dredged up and painted in an incomplete and therefore misleading way in the course of this process. I believe my continuing in the confirmation process would force my three children to relive a traumatic chapter in our family's life and reopen wounds we have worked years to heal. Ultimately, their safety and well-being is my highest priority," Shanahan wrote.

Shanahan, a former Boeing executive, has been leading the Pentagon as acting secretary since Jan. 1, a highly unusual arrangement for arguably the most sensitive Cabinet position.

In his tenure at the department he's had to deal with a wide array of international hotspots, ranging from missile launches by North Korea to the sudden shift of military ships and aircraft to the Middle East to deal with potential threats from Iran.

Shanahan, 56, had extensive of experience in the defense industry but little in government. In more than four months as the acting secretary, he focused on implementing the national defense strategy that was developed during Mattis' tenure and emphasizes a shift from the resources and tactics required to fight small wars against extremist groups to what Shanahan calls "great power" competition with China and Russia.

Esper will be the third defense secretary -- confirmed or acting -- in the first 2 1/2 years of the Trump Administration. James Mattis held the position until Dec. 31, 2018. Mattis initially announced he would leave

Secretary of the Army Mark Esper speaks during a House Armed Services Committee budget hearing for the Departments of the Army and Air Force on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) </s> FILE – In this Feb. 14, 2019 file photo, acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan speaks about the situation in the Persian Gulf region during a meeting with Portuguese Minister of National Defense Joao Cravinho, at the Pentagon. President Donald Trump announced on June 18 that Shanahan will not move forward with the confirmation process to be Defense Secretary. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan is withdrawing his nomination to lead the Pentagon.

The abrupt announcement came in a tweet from the president, who said Shanahan had done “a wonderful job” but would step aside to “devote more time to his family.”

The president added that the Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, will be the new acting secretary.

“I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!” Trump said in a second tweet on the subject.

The post atop the Pentagon has not been filled permanently since Gen. James Mattis retired in January following policy differences with Trump.

Trump announced in May that he would nominate Shanahan but the formal nomination process in the Senate had been inexplicably delayed

Shanahan, a former Boeing executive, has been leading the Pentagon as acting secretary since Jan. 1, a highly unusual arrangement for arguably the most sensitive Cabinet position.

In his tenure at the department he’s had to deal with a wide array of international hotspots, ranging from missile launches by North Korea to the sudden shift of military ships and aircraft to the Middle East to deal with potential threats from Iran.

Shanahan, 56, had extensive of experience in the defense industry but little in government. In more than four months as the acting secretary, he focused on implementing the national defense strategy that was developed during Mattis’ tenure and emphasizes a shift from the resources and tactics required to fight small wars against extremist groups to what Shanahan calls “great power” competition with China and Russia. </s> Former soldier and lobbyist Mark Esper sworn in as US Defence Secretary

US Army Secretary Mark Esper has been sworn in as Secretary of Defence, hours after being confirmed by the Senate in a strong bipartisan vote that ended the longest period by far the Pentagon had been without a permanent top official.

Mr Esper, 55, was sworn in at the White House by US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump and attended by a number of Republican politicians. He was confirmed by the US Senate on a vote of 90-8.

"That's a vote that we're not accustomed to, Mark. I have to say that, so congratulations," Mr Trump told Mr Esper.

A former soldier, Mr Esper has also previously been a lobbyist for weapons maker Raytheon Co, the third-largest US defence contractor.

He received strong bipartisan support despite sharp questioning during his confirmation hearing by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Senator Warren questioned his ties to Raytheon and his refusal to extend an ethics commitment he signed in 2017 to avoid decisions involving the company.

Senator Warren, a 2020 presidential hopeful, was the only member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to voice opposition to Mr Esper's confirmation during the hearing.

Four of the eight "no" votes came from other senators running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination — Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar.

There has been no confirmed defence secretary since Jim Mattis resigned in December over policy differences with Mr Trump.

Many members of Congress from both parties had urged the Republican President to act urgently to fill the powerful position.

Mr Trump's previous pick to be secretary of defence, former Boeing Co executive Patrick Shanahan, withdrew from consideration after reports emerged of domestic violence in his family.

An Army veteran, Mr Esper served as a congressional aide and a Pentagon official under former president George W Bush before working for Raytheon.

He had been Army Secretary since November 2017.
Patrick Shanahan, who has been acting Secretary of Defense since January 1, has withdrawn his name from consideration as Secretary "... to devote more time to his family", President Trump said. Secretary of the Army Mark Esper will be the acting Secretary of Defense. There are allegations of domestic violence against Mr. Shanahan.