Trump Likely to Name Loyalist as Pentagon Chief After Tumultuous First Term

Who is in the running for the new Defense Secretary?

After a tumultuous first term marked by upheaval at the Pentagon, President Trump is poised to name a loyalist as his new Defense Secretary, according to people familiar with the matter.

Among the leading candidates is Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing executive who has been serving as acting Pentagon chief since James Mattis resigned in December.

Shanahan is said to be a favorite of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who has been increasingly influential in the president's decision-making.

Why is Trump making this change?

Trump has been unhappy with the Pentagon's leadership for some time, and he has made no secret of his desire to shake things up.

He has repeatedly criticized Mattis for being too cautious and for not being sufficiently supportive of his policies.

Trump is also said to be frustrated with the Pentagon's bureaucracy and what he sees as its resistance to his agenda.

What will the new Pentagon chief's priorities be?

The new Pentagon chief will face a number of challenges, including the ongoing war in Afghanistan, the rise of China, and the threat of nuclear weapons from North Korea.

The new chief will also need to address the Pentagon's budget problems and its need to modernize its aging weapons systems.

The new Pentagon chief will also need to work closely with Congress, which has been increasingly critical of Trump's foreign policy decisions.

What are the implications of this change?

The appointment of a loyalist as Pentagon chief is likely to have a significant impact on US foreign policy.

The new chief is likely to be more willing to carry out Trump's orders, even if they are controversial.

This could lead to a more aggressive US foreign policy, with increased military action and a heightened risk of conflict.