Trump Picks Mattis to Lead Defense Department
McCain endorsed ex Marine Corps general
President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis to be the next Defense secretary, The Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the decision.
The choice would require a congressional waiver for the recently retired four-star to take the Pentagon’s top civilian post.
Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., has already signaled that he believes Mattis is the right man for the job, an endorsement that will undoubtedly help with both the waiver and the confirmation process.
Shortly after the news broke, Trump Communications Director Jason Miller tweeted that in fact no decision had been made.
No decision has been made yet with regard to Secretary of Defense. #TrumpTransition
— Jason Miller (@JasonMillerinDC) December 1, 2016