Mattis resigns as Secretary of Defense, disagrees with Trump's treatment of allies

U.S. Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis speaks during the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2018. The day is observed every year on the third Friday in September and honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. (DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith)

President Donald Trump announced the retirement of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis via Twitter this evening.

“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. 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!”

Retired General Mattis cited the White House’s treatment of ally nations as a reason for his resignation.

“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,” he wrote.

“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.”

Mattis stated the president should find a replacement who shares his views.

“Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position,” Mattis said.

Mattis resignation letter:

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