Acting Defense Secretary Patric Shanahan steps down

US president Donald Trump announced on Twitter that Shanahan would not "go forward with his confirmation process" in order to focus on his family. Trump said he would name Army Secretary Mark Esper as the new acting defense secretary.

Shanahan has been serving as the acting secretary of defense since January 1, taking over after Secretary James Mattis resigned. There was information related to domestic violence in his family. Shanahan said he didn't want his personal past to be a distraction, and said it was the best decision for him and his family.