Reaction of Senator Patrick Leahy to resignation of Defense Secretary Mattis

Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) To The Resignation Of Defense Secretary Mattis

December 20, 2018

Senator Leahy“I am very disappointed and concernedthat the Department of Defense will lose the exceptional leadership of Secretary Mattis. He has been an outstanding leader thereat a time when his steady hand and decades of experience were sorely needed. He and I and most Americans share the belief that the United States is stronger when we work with our allies and partners to defend an international order that protects our security and upholds our commitment to peace and respect for human rights. I deeply regret that his advice has often summarily been rejected by the President, and that he therefore felt he had no choice but to resign.”

CNN:The Secretary of Defense says in his resignation letter that his views aren't 'aligned' with the President

Washington (CNN)Defense Secretary James Mattis resigned Thursday on the heels of President Donald Trump's plans to withdraw troops from Syria, citing irreconcilable policy differences in a move that took Washington by surprise.