Defense Secretary Mattis is Leaving, President Trump Says

By Spectrum News Staff Washington, D.C.

PUBLISHED 5:52 PM ET Dec. 20, 2018 PUBLISHED December 20, 2018 @5:52 PM

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis will leave in February, President Trump announced Thursday.

The president tweeted that Mattis will retire at the end of February, and would retire with distinction.

Mattis resigned in a letter to President Trump
He will stay on to ensure a smooth transition
Mattis served as defense secretary for 2 years
READ: Secretary Mattis' Resignation Letter (.PDF)

In his resignation letter, according to Spectrum News reporter Samantha Jo Roth, Mattis told the president that he should have a secretary of defense whose views align more closely with the president's beliefs.

In the letter, Mattis detailed his core belief in the importance of global alliances and partnerships, and being resolute against countries like China and Russia who "want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model."

"My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues," Mattis said. "We must do everything possible to advance an international order that is most conducive to our security, prosperity and values, and we are strengthened in this effort by the solidarity of our alliances."

READ GENERAL MATTIS’ RESIGNATION LETTER: “Because you have the right to have a secretary of defense whose views better align with yours....I believe it is right for me to step down from my position" pic.twitter.com/dqeXlaSkvB
— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) December 20, 2018

While the two seemed to have a cordial relationship, recent reports indicate Mattis disagreed with a number of Trump's decisions, including the decision this week to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

Mattis was one of the first cabinet secretaries to be confirmed for the Trump administration.

Reaction to Mattis's Resignation

Lawmakers hearing about the news began sending out statements Thursday night.

Gen.Mattis has served our nation with great distinction. He will not be easy to replace.

For the sake of our national security I hope his decision to resign was motivated solely by a desire to enjoy a well deserved retirement.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 20, 2018

I hope we who have supported this administrations initiatives over the last two years can persuade the President to choose a different direction. But we must also fulfill our constitutional duty to conduct oversight over the policies of the executive branch. 2/2
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 20, 2018

General Mattis is a combination of intellect and integrity.

He has been in the fight against radical Islam for decades and provided sound and ethical military advice to President Trump.

He is a role model for the concept of Duty, Honor, Country.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 20, 2018

Old Marines never die, but they do resign after the President ignores their advice, betrays our allies, rewards our enemies, and puts the nation’s security at risk. Turn out the lights when Mattis leaves; we will not see his like again while Trump remains in office. https://t.co/fKUTe5nPIR
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) December 20, 2018

Mattis has helped transform the Pentagon over the last two years, prioritizing the personnel, training, readiness & modernization of our Armed Forces. America is safer and more secure because of his tremendous leadership, and I am grateful for his service to our nation.
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) December 20, 2018

Defense Secretary Mattis is Leaving, President Trump Says

Reaction to Mattis's Resignation

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