Trump Says Mattis Will Leave Earlier Than Previously Announced

President Donald Trump tweeted on Sunday that Secretary of Defense James Mattis will be leaving his position earlier than previously announced.

Mattis announced his dramatic departure from the administration on Thursday after Trump decided to withdraw United States troops from Syria and draw down half of the troops currently stationed in Afghanistan. 

In his letter announcing his resignation, Mattis wrote that he planned on staying through February 28 to help ensure an orderly transition. In his resignation letter, the former Secretary of Defense excoriated Trump for mistreating their allies. 

"One core belief I have always held is that our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliances and partnerships. While the US remains the indispensable nation in the free world, we cannot protect our interests or serve that role effectively without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to those allies."

"I believe we must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours. It Is clear that China and Russia, for example, want to shape a world consistent with their authoritative model," Mattis wrote.

"Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position," he added.

On Sunday Trump wrote that the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Patrick Shanahan would take over for Mattis on Jan 1. 2019. 

"I am pleased to announce that our very talented Deputy Secretary of Defense, Patrick Shanahan, will assume the title of Acting Secretary of Defense starting January 1, 2019," wrote Trump. "Patrick has a long list of accomplishments while serving as Deputy, & previously Boeing. He will be great!

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