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Trump Predicts: Mattis Could Be Leaving Post

Trump Predicts: Mattis Could Be Leaving Post
folder_openUnited States access_time5 years ago
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Local Editor

US President Donald Trump said he is unsure whether Military Secretary James Mattis is planning to step down from his post, but told CBS’ “60 Minutes” in a taped interview 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, according to an excerpt of a transcript released Sunday before the show airs. “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 Col. 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. Mattis has denied making any such remarks. Trump had been deferential toward Mattis, saying on Sept. 5 his defense chief would remain in his job.

Asked last month about reports he may be leaving, Mattis said: “I wouldn’t take it seriously at all.”

One factor thought to have darkened Mattis’ prospects is this year’s arrival in the White House of Mira Ricardel, who now has the powerful post of deputy national security adviser and is believed to dislike Mattis, current and former officials have told Reuters.

Trump’s comments come as he eyes another Cabinet shakeup.

Last week, his Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, announced her resignation, effective at the end of the year.

She gave no reason for the surprise move, but observers have noted that the ascension of John Bolton as national security adviser and Mike Pompeo as secretary of state have shifted the power dynamics on Trump’s national security team. In the “60 Minutes” interview, Trump alluded to upcoming changes in his Cabinet.

“I’m changing things around. And I’m entitled to. I have people now on standby that will be phenomenal. They’ll come into the administration, they’ll be phenomenal,” Trump said.

“I think we have a great Cabinet. There are some people that I’m not happy with. I have some people that I’m not thrilled with. And I have other people that I’m beyond thrilled with,” he said.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team

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