Trump Says Jim Mattis Will Leave By Jan. 1, Announces Acting Defense Secretary

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced his resignation on Thursday, following a decision by President Trump to withdraw American troops from Syria. He’ll be replaced by Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan starting in Janua

Susan Walsh / AP

A replacement for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will step in two months earlier than anticipated, President Trump announced Sunday.

Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan will take over as acting Pentagon chief starting Jan. 1.

“Patrick has a long list of accomplishments while serving as Deputy, & previously Boeing. He will be great!” wrote Trump on Twitter.