Obama is expected to nominate Ashton Carter as defense secretary . Obama 's expected pick , former Pentagon number two Ashton Carter , was on the shortlist too . The White House has said it will not confirm or deny the report. Obama has had to make second choices for several Cabinet positions .
Obama is expected to nominate Ashton Carter as defense secretary . The White House has said it will not confirm or deny the report. Obama has had to make second choices for several Cabinet positions .