A potential Democratic candidate for the 2020 presidential election warned that the upcoming departure of Secretary of Defense James Mattis threatens the safety of Americans.
"Gen. Mattis, great respect for his military service. Haven't agreed with every decision of his, but he has always been a force to … intervene against the president's worst instincts," Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., told CNN Thursday evening.
"Remember when Bob Woodward reported that the president had wanted to assassinate [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad. He told him, 'sir, we can't do that.' It's just a fear that the adults in the room, the experts — who the president said he's going to hire the best and rely on the best — that they're leaving. And that makes us less safe."
Mattis announced Thursday he will leave the Trump administration in February, citing differences of opinion he had with President Donald Trump.
Swalwell said it's time for Republicans to stand up and speak their mind if they are concerned with Trump's leadership and the health of the nation moving forward.
"If you're a Republican and you've been quiet and just hoping and praying that this president's gonna get it right, he's not. And now is a time to speak up for the sake of our country," Swalwell said.
"And I hope this moves more leaders in Congress to realize that we do have an executive branch in crisis."
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