Trump to replace defence head Mattis with deputy Patrick Shanahan
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Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned on December 20, a day after President Donald Trump stunned the US establishment by ordering a troop withdrawal from Syria.
Donald Trump on Sunday announced he would replace Defense Secretary Jim Mattis with his deputy Patrick Shanahan, days after the outgoing Pentagon chief quit while citing key policy differences with the US president.
"I am pleased to announce that our very talented Deputy Secretary of Defense, Patrick Shanahan, will assume the title of Acting Secretary of Defense starting January 1, 2019," the US President tweeted, accelerating Mattis's planned departure by two months.
I am pleased to announce that our very talented Deputy Secretary of Defense, Patrick Shanahan, will assume the title of Acting Secretary of Defense starting January 1, 2019. Patrick has a long list of accomplishments while serving as Deputy, & previously Boeing. He will be great!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 23, 2018
"Patrick has a long list of accomplishments while serving as Deputy, & previously Boeing. He will be great!"
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned on December 20, a day after President Donald Trump stunned the US establishment by ordering a troop withdrawal from Syria.
In a letter to Trump, the 68-year-old Pentagon chief said his political outlook, which cherishes traditional alliances, could no longer be reconciled with that of the president, who has poured scorn on longstanding partnerships and repeatedly sought closer ties with Russia.
(With inputs from AFP)