Sources: USA Today
Pete Hegseth is confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Defense in a 51–50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. 2025-01-24
U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper forces Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer to resign over his handling of the court martial of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher. 2019-11-24
Patrick Shanahan, who has been acting Secretary of Defense since January 1, has withdrawn his name from consideration as Secretary "... to devote more time to his family", President Trump said. Secretary of the Army Mark Esper will be the acting Secretary of Defense. There are allegations of domestic violence against Mr. Shanahan. 2019-06-18
The public interest non-profit Cause for Action files a Freedom of Information Act request for United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter’s personal emails following his disclosure of using that account for official government emails, this in the wake of the former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton email controversy and the Office of Personnel Management data breach. The U.S. Federal Records Act restricts use of personal email for official business. 2015-12-23
United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter indicates a more robust role ahead for the United States military in bolstering indigenous forces countering ISIS and in response to Russia’s increasing role in Middle East conflicts. 2015-10-26
The United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter warns that the People's Republic of China's island building in the South China Sea is undermining security in the Asia-Pacific region and has called for a diplomatic solution. 2015-05-30
The United States plans to set up a missile defence system in Guam. U.S. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel describes North Korea as a "real and clear danger". 2013-04-3
U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta makes an unannounced trip to Kabul and warns that his country is "reaching the limits of our patience here" with regard to Pakistan. 2012-06-7
Leon Panetta, the United States Secretary of Defense, warns North Korea against further provocations against South Korea. 2012-04-24
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates makes his first visit to Pakistan. 2010-01-21