Defence Secretary

• Mark Esper sworn in as new U.S. secretary of defence

  Mark Esper, an Army veteran and former defense industry lobbyist, won Senate confirmation by a vote of 90-8 and was sworn in at the White House by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.

  World

  Jul 23, 2019
  
• Trump says Patrick Shanahan out of running for U.S. defence secretary

  Trump said the secretary of the Army will be named the new acting defense secretary.

  World

  Jun 18, 2019
  
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• Acting U.S. defence secretary to make second trip to U.S.-Mexico border

  Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan is making his second trip to the U.S.-Mexican border to highlight what President Donald Trump calls a national emergency.

  World

  May 11, 2019
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• Pentagon chief of staff Kevin Sweeney steps down following Mattis resignation

  "After two years in the Pentagon, I've decided the time is right to return to the private sector. It has been an honor to serve again alongside the men and women of the Department of Defense," read Sweeney's statement. 

  Politics

  Jan 5, 2019
• Trump says Patrick Shanahan will replace Jim Mattis as acting defence secretary

  U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday morning on Twitter that Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan will temporarily step into the role of Defense Secretary on Jan. 1 following Jim Mattis' resignation.

  Politics

  Dec 23, 2018
• Trump hails defence secretary James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis as a ‘man of total action’

  President Donald Trump hailed Defence Secretary James Mattis for devoting his life to serving the country, labeling him a man of honour and devotion.

  World

  Jan 27, 2017
• Pentagon chief used personal email account until December 20

  Newly released documents show Defence Secretary Ash Carter used his personal email account for government business for nearly a year, until December 2015.

  Politics

  Mar 26, 2016