search
Sections List
American Journal News

Former defense secretary breaks his silence to slam Trump for hurting US

James Mattis warns that the U.S. is risking occupying ‘an increasingly lonely position’ in the world.

By Mike Stankiewicz - August 29, 2019
Share
Jim Mattis

In his first major comments since resigning from the Trump administration last year, former Secretary of Defense James Mattis took several veiled swings at his former boss for damaging many international relationships.

In excerpts from his new book, obtained by The Wall Street Journal, Mattis reflects on his time under Trump and offers a warning that if the U.S. continues to show disrespect for its allies, it will “occupy an increasingly lonely position, one that puts us at increasing risk in the world.”

“Using every skill I had learned during my decades as a Marine, I did as well as I could for as long as I could,” Mattis wrote. “When my concrete solutions and strategic advice, especially keeping faith with our allies, no longer resonated, it was time to resign, despite the limitless joy I felt serving alongside our troops in defense of our Constitution.”

In December, Mattis quit the administration over Trump’s announcement that he was withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria despite his Cabinet secretary’s advice. Mattis was in favor of continuing America’s presence in the region, but Trump ultimately made a decision that was intended to please Russia.

While the retired four-star general does not criticize his former boss directly in the excerpts, many of his comments are clearly directed at Trump.

“Nations with allies thrive, and those without them wither,” Mattis wrote. “Alone, America cannot protect our people and our economy.” During the past two and a half years, Trump has alienated and attacked many U.S. allies, including threatening tariffs on German and Japanese cars and French wine. However, Trump’s most tumultuous relationship has been with Mexico, calling the country an “abuser” of the U.S. and demanding that it pay for his racist border wall. At the same time, he has cuddled up with hostile enemies, including Russia and North Korea. 

But Mattis also hit Trump where it hurts: his social media habits. 

“At this time, we can see storm clouds gathering. A polemicist’s role is not sufficient for a leader. A leader must display strategic acumen that incorporates respect for those nations that have stood with us when trouble loomed,” Mattis said in another excerpt, likely referring to Trump’s Twitter rants.

Since Trump took office, the global opinion of the U.S. has free fallen and favorable views of the U.S. have hit historic lows, according to the Pew Research Center

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


AJ News
Get the latest news here first.

Tai News

Newsletter
Read More
Biden campaign pivots to focus on healthcare

Biden campaign pivots to focus on healthcare

By Kim Lyons - November 30, 2023
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott drops out of 2024 presidential race

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott drops out of 2024 presidential race

By Robin Opsahl - November 13, 2023
Biden infrastructure law helps Pennsylvania’s small manufacturers

Biden infrastructure law helps Pennsylvania’s small manufacturers

By Oliver Willis - October 20, 2023
Republicans continue their unpopular attempts to abolish the Department of Education

Republicans continue their unpopular attempts to abolish the Department of Education

By Will Fritz - October 20, 2023
GOP presidential candidates use Israel-Hamas war to stoke anti-immigrant sentiment

GOP presidential candidates use Israel-Hamas war to stoke anti-immigrant sentiment

By Oliver Willis - October 20, 2023
GOP senators try to stop EPA rule projected to save consumers millions of dollars

GOP senators try to stop EPA rule projected to save consumers millions of dollars

By Oliver Willis - October 20, 2023
AJ News
Latest
Florida Sen. Rick Scott backs Donald Trump in revived push to repeal Obamacare

Florida Sen. Rick Scott backs Donald Trump in revived push to repeal Obamacare

By Jesse Valentine - November 30, 2023
Tate Reeves took donations from power company that hiked customer rates

Tate Reeves took donations from power company that hiked customer rates

By Jesse Valentine - November 06, 2023
Daniel Cameron ran on depoliticizing the Kentucky AG’s office. He made it more political.

Daniel Cameron ran on depoliticizing the Kentucky AG’s office. He made it more political.

By Jesse Valentine - November 03, 2023
Republican operatives sound every alarm on current trajectory of 2023 governor’s race

Republican operatives sound every alarm on current trajectory of 2023 governor’s race

By Adam Ganucheau, Mississippi Today - October 24, 2023
Michigan Republican US Senate candidate Peter Meijer backed strict abortion bans

Michigan Republican US Senate candidate Peter Meijer backed strict abortion bans

By Jesse Valentine - November 30, 2023
Abortion opponents push state lawmakers to promote unproven ‘abortion reversal’

Abortion opponents push state lawmakers to promote unproven ‘abortion reversal’

By Anna Claire Vollers - November 30, 2023
Biden campaign pivots to focus on healthcare

Biden campaign pivots to focus on healthcare

By Kim Lyons - November 30, 2023
Abortion advocates submit ballot issue affirming right to terminate pregnancy in Montana

Abortion advocates submit ballot issue affirming right to terminate pregnancy in Montana

By Nicole Girten - November 27, 2023
Proposed Arkansas ballot measure would make abortion access a constitutional right

Proposed Arkansas ballot measure would make abortion access a constitutional right

By Tess Vrbin - November 27, 2023