SECDEF nominee withdraws

WASHINGTON—Acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan decided not to pursue Senate confirmation as the permanent head of the Defense Department amid scrutiny of his tumultuous family relationships. Mr. Shanahan has done “a wonderful job” as acting SECDEF, President Trump tweeted June 18, but has “decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family.” Secretary of the Army Mark Esper, who is next in the line of succession since he is Senate-confirmed, will become acting SECDEF, Trump said. Mr. Shanahan said in a statement Tuesday that a series of events in his personal life triggered his decision to step down. (Source: Wall Street Journal 06/19/19)