Defense Secretary Mattis Resigns - RI Leaders React
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Defense Secretary Mattis Resigns - RI Leaders React
“General Jim Mattis will be retiring, with distinction, at the end of February, after having served my administration as Secretary of Defense for the past two years. During Jim’s tenure, tremendous progress has been made, especially with respect to the purchase of new fighting equipment,” said Trump on Twitter.
He added, “General Mattis was a great help to me in getting allies and other countries to pay their share of military obligations. A new Secretary of Defense will be named shortly. I greatly thank Jim for his service.”
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Senator Jack Reed
“Secretary Mattis is a true patriot who leads by example and served with great fidelity and dedication to our men and women in uniform. He served as a stabilizing force in a chaotic administration that seems to be unraveling.
His resignation letter made it clear he disagrees with President Trump on major national security issues. Secretary Mattis isn’t someone who is willing to stand by while American allies and principles are abandoned. He didn’t resign because he grew weary from the fight. I think he saw this as his last chance to focus the nation’s attention on the serious missteps President Trump is making and get him to change course.
President Trump is leading the country in the wrong direction and Secretary Mattis isn’t willing to go for it.”
Congressman David Cicilline
“James Mattis was the last adult left in the room. He was maybe the last person who could tell this President “No.”
His departure is a dire omen for the future of our alliances and the security of our country.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
“As Donald Trump drives away the grownups in the room, there is cause for genuine concern.
I thank and honor Secretary Mattis for a lifetime of service.”
About Mattis
Mattis was nominated as Secretary of Defense by President-elect Trump and confirmed by the Senate on January 20, 2017.
Prior to that, he commissioned in the Marine Corps through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps after graduating from Central Washington University.
Mattis served in the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
From 2007 to 2010, he commanded the United States Joint Forces Command and served as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation.
He was Commander of United States Central Command from 2010 to 2013. After retiring from the military, he served in several private sector roles, including as a board member of Theranos.
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