USA

Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan Resigns

Patrick Shanahan (Picture: US Department of Defense).

Patrick Shanahan had been Acting Defense Secretary since January (Picture: US Department of Defense).

Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has withdrawn his nomination to take the role permanently.

Mr Shanahan said a "painful and deeply personal family situation" had been "dredged up" during the confirmation process to lead the Pentagon, adding he did not want his children to "relive a traumatic chapter".

In a tweet, President Donald Trump thanked Patrick Shanahan for doing "a wonderful job" and said he stepped aside to "devote more time to his family".

Mr Trump also told reporters on Tuesday he did not ask Mr Shanahan to leave his role.

He announced Secretary of the Army and military veteran Mark Esper would take over as the new Acting Defense Secretary.

"I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!" President Trump said in a second tweet.

Mark Esper will take over from Mr Shanahan (Picture: US Department of Defense).

Confirming his withdrawal from the process, the 56-year-old said: "It has been a deep honor and privilege to serve our country alongside the men and women of the Department of Defense.

"After having been confirmed for Deputy Secretary less than two years ago, it is unfortunate that a painful and deeply personal family situation from long ago is being dredged up and painted in an incomplete and therefore misleading way in the course of this process.

"I believe my continuing in the confirmation process would force my three children to relive a traumatic chapter in our family's life and reopen wounds we have worked years to heal.

"Ultimately, their safety and well-being is my highest priority".

After appointing him as Acting Defense Secretary in January, President Trump announced in May he would nominate Mr Shanahan for the top Pentagon role.

Mr Shanahan previously worked as an executive at Boeing, giving him experience in the defence industry, although he had little in government.

The post at the Pentagon has not been filled permanently since General James Mattis resigned in December following policy differences with President Trump.