Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Washington DC, June 19: Months after of unexplained delays, US acting defence secretary Patrick Shanahan has on Tuesday stepped down ahead of his formal nomination proceeding to the Senate, citing some “painful” family conditions that would reopen “wounds we have worked years to heal” and hurt his children.

According to Dawn news reports, United States President Donald Trump declared Shanahan’s exit via a tweet, stating Mark Esper, the army secretary, would lead as the new acting Pentagon chief.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1141027595380826118

In an official statement, Shanahan said, “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.”

He added, “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.”

However, Shanahan did not offer further details about his current situation of his family, but as per media outfits, including USA Today and The Washington Post, published reports over family circumstances surrounding Shanahan’s 2011 divorce.

The acting defence secretary said he urged to be withdrawn from the nomination proceedings and quit from his earlier post as deputy defence secretary. Shanahan stated he would be working on an “appropriate transition”, although it was not clear how soon will he leave the job.

Moreover, defence officials are slated to discuss the transition plans.

 

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