The process for nominating a permanent defense secretary took another step back Wednesday when DOD’s inspector general announced an investigation into whether Acting Secretary Patrick Shanahan has improperly favored his former employer, Boeing.
Shanahan had told senators he was open to such an investigation, his spokesman noted.
“Acting Secretary Shanahan has at all times remained committed to upholding his ethics agreement filed with the DoD,” Lt. Col. Joseph Buccino said, according to Politico. “This agreement ensures any matters pertaining to Boeing are handled by appropriate officials within the Pentagon to eliminate any perceived or actual conflict of interest issue with Boeing.”
Shanahan has been acting secretary since the beginning of the year, and some think President Trump will eventually nominate him to the position permanently, despite Shanahan’s cool relations with senators on both sides of the aisle.
This is the longest stretch in U.S. history with a defense secretary who hasn’t been confirmed to the position.
 
DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith