Trump appoints Mattis as Secretary of Defense
A source in Trump’s transition team says Trump has appointed Mattis as Secretary of Defense. Mattis joins a Trump national security team that already includes retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as national security adviser and Rep. Mike Pompeo as CIA director. The official announcement is expected early next week. Mattis will need a waiver from Congress in order to be confirmed, as a legal statute bars service members from quickly entering civilian positions.
Praises Mattis
Trump says he has met with Mattis in consideration for Secretary of Defense. Transition team:
The President-elect and Vice President-elect were very impressed in their meeting with the ‘real deal’ and American hero General James Mattis,” according to a read-out of Trump’s meeting with Mattis provided by the presidential transition team. “They had an incredibly in-depth conversation on plans for national security.
General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, who is being considered for Secretary of Defense, was very impressive yesterday. A true General's General!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 20, 2016