The relationship between President Trump and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, who appeared at a White House reception on Oct. 25, is showing signs of strain. Mattis is also frustrated that Trump vetoed his choice to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest-ranking miliary officer. Mattis has told Pentagon leaders that he is following orders and they must do the same, U.S. officials said. “I see my generals — those generals are going to keep us so safe,” Trump said during a luncheon shortly after he was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 2017. “If I’m doing a movie, I pick you, General, General Mattis,” Trump told the audience.

Source: Washington Post December 20, 2018 01:28 UTC