Trump Nominates Patrick Shanahan to Run the Military After Historic Delay

It took 125 days, but President Donald Trump finally nominated Patrick Shanahan to be the next Secretary of Defense.

Shanahan, 56, was the leading contender to become Defense Secretary since James Mattis stepped down from the job on Dec. 31. The former Boeing Co. executive has the dubious distinction of being the longest serving “Acting Defense Secretary” in the nation’s history.

"I am honored by today’s announcement of President Trump’s intent to nominate.

It took 125 days, but President Donald Trump finally nominated Patrick Shanahan to be the next Secretary of Defense. Shanahan, 56, was the leading contender to become Defense Secretary since James Mattis stepped down from the job on Dec. 31. The former Boeing Co. executive has the dubious distinction of being the longest serving “Acting Defense Secretary” in the nation’s history. "I am honored by today’s announcement of President Trump’s intent to nominate.