Shanahan: ‘Of Course’ I Want To Be Defense Secretary

Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan gestures while speakings to members of the media aboard a military plane prior to his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. Shanahan spoke about the US-Mexico border after visiting the El Paso, Texas area. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, pool)
IN AIR - FEBRUARY 23: Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan gestures while speakings to members of the media aboard a military plane prior to his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland February 23, 2019. ... IN AIR - FEBRUARY 23: Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan gestures while speakings to members of the media aboard a military plane prior to his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland February 23, 2019. Shanahan spoke about the US-Mexico border after visiting the El Paso, Texas area. (Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais - Pool /Getty Images) MORE LESS
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Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan confirmed to Defense One Tuesday that “of course” he wants to be named as the permanent defense chief, despite the recent scrutiny he’s fallen under related to his relationship with his former employer, Boeing, while serving as deputy defense secretary.

“I think I can serve the department well,” he added.

His allies have reportedly been championing him for the position.

The investigation, run by the Pentagon, aims to determine if Shanahan favored Boeing for government contracts and other defense priorities.

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