James Mattis, who President Donald Trump will replace on Jan. 1 after the defense secretary said he would step down at the end of February, appeared unruffled by the decision, his younger brother, Tom, told The Seattle Times.
The two brothers talked after Trump had made his decision.
“He was very calm about the whole thing,” Tom Mattis said. “Very matter of fact. No anger. As I have said many times in other circumstances, Jim knows who he is … many more Americans (now) know his character.”
But Tom Mattis said his brother is not ready to fade into retirement.
“No one should assume that his service to his country will end,” he said. “And the manner of his departure is yet another service to the nation. It is the very definition of patriotism and integrity.”
The two have remained close throughout the years. Tom said Jim is a man who always speaks the truth.
“Jim will always give his best advice and speak truth to power — regardless of the consequences.”
According to The New York Times, Mattis quit as defense secretary after making one final effort to convince Trump to reverse the decision to withdraw American troops from Syria.
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