President Trump said that he did not request acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan to step down, during a Tuesday pool spray outside the White House.
Trump also maintained that he did not learn of the domestic assault allegations in Shanahan’s family until Monday, which were discovered in the vetting process for his confirmation to be the defense secretary.
Shanahan has withdrawn his name from consideration for the position.
“Pat Shanahan, who is a wonderful person is, as you know, going to take some time off for family matters. I want to thank him for his service. He’s a terrific person. It’s a difficult time for Pat. But he’s going to take time off for family service and for working things out. And I think you know about it. You know very well about it,” Trump said.
“I didn’t ask him to withdraw. He said it’s a rough time because of what obviously happened. I did not ask him to withdraw. He presented me with a letter. That was his decision,” he added.
Trump praised the new acting Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, who has been secretary of the Army.
“[Esper] was a highly respected gentleman with a great career. Westpoint, Harvard. A tremendous talent,” he said.
