Trump Picks Mattis to Lead Defense Department – Roll Call

Policy

Trump Picks Mattis to Lead Defense Department

McCain endorsed ex Marine Corps general

President-elect Donald Trump speaks as he stands with retired United States Marine Corps general James Mattis after their meeting at Trump International Golf Club, November 19, 2016 in Bedminster Township, New Jersey. Trump and his transition team are in the process of filling cabinet and other high level positions for the new administration. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

By Roll Call Staff

Posted December 1, 2016 at 4:33pm

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

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