Donald Trump calls US Defence Secretary James Mattis a ‘sort of a Democrat’ and says he ‘may leave’
In its first two years, the Trump administration has witnessed an unprecedented flow of high-profile departures
US President Donald Trump said he is unsure whether Defence Secretary James Mattis was planning to step down from his post, but told CBS’ 60 Minutes that the retired general might and that he regards Mattis as “sort of a Democrat”.
“It could be that he is” planning to depart, Trump said.
“I think he’s sort of a Democrat, if you want to know the truth. But General Mattis is a good guy. We get along very well. He may leave. I mean, at some point, everybody leaves. Everybody. People leave. That’s Washington.”
This marks the first time that the Republican president has publicly said anything negative about Mattis, who last month told reporters not to take seriously reports that he may be leaving.
Asked about Trump’s remarks, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said in a brief statement: “Secretary Mattis is laser-focused on doing his job – ensuring the US military remains the most lethal force on the planet.”
Mattis’ future has become a focus of media speculation, particularly after last month’s release of a book by Watergate reporter Bob Woodward that portrayed Mattis privately disparaging Trump to associates.