Trump replaces acting Pentagon chief

U.S. Army Secretary Mark Esper will become acting head of the Pentagon, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted.

Prior to this, Patrick Shanahan, who has been in office since January 1, 2019, was the acting US Secretary of Defense. According to Trump, Shanahan decided not to continue the confirmation process as head of the Pentagon in order to devote more time to his family.

USA Today notes that the departure of Shanahan became known an hour after the publication reported that the FBI was investigating a case of domestic violence against him. The publication claims that in 2010, Shanahan beat his then-wife Kimberly Jordinson. Shanahan himself denied allegations of violence.

• In December 2018, Pentagon chief James Mattis announced his resignation. He made this decision after Donald Trump decided to withdraw troops from Syria.