President Trump announced his intent to nominate Army Secretary Mark Esper to be the next secretary of defense on Friday.
Earlier in the week, Trump tweeted that Esper would be stepping in after acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, whose last day was also on Friday, abruptly dropped from consideration.
David Norquist, who was deputy secretary of defense under Shanahan, will remain in his position. Ryan McCarthy, the Army undersecretary, will replace Esper as secretary of the Army.
Incoming Acting Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper greets his predecessor, outgoing @ActingSecDef Pat Shanahan, during a ceremonial clap out today as he departs the Pentagon. pic.twitter.com/TLYhNGQaUV
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) June 21, 2019
As one of his final moves before leaving as acting defense secretary, Shanahan put in place former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis’ portrait inside the Pentagon.
Shanahan was Trump’s pick to be his next full-time defense secretary until he withdrew this week after allegations of domestic violence between him, his ex-wife, and his son were revealed during the second round of background checks. Shanahan replaced Mattis after he was pushed out of Trump’s administration for disagreeing about withdrawing from Syria.
The Associated Press notes Esper may only be able to serve in an acting capacity for two months under the rules.
