Trump Names New Acting Secretary of Defense

President Donald Trump said in a series of tweets Tuesday that the acting secretary of defense will not move forward with his confirmation process and will be replaced by the head of the Army.

Trump said Patrick Shanahan “has done a wonderful job” in his interim role but that he won’t seek the job on a permanent basis because he wants to devote more time to his family.

“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 tweeted.