Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned Thursday after clashing with President Trump over the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan, saying in a parting letter that the president deserves someone atop the Pentagon “better aligned” with his views. The retired Marine general’s surprise resignation came a day after Trump shocked American allies and overruled his advisers, including Mattis, upon announcing a withdrawal from Syria. “I was sorry to learn that Secretary Mattis, who shares those clear principles, will soon depart the administration,” McConnell said in a statement. The person close to Mattis said that choice was particularly offensive to the defense secretary. Trump forced his defense secretary to scramble after announcing by tweet a ban on transgender service members from serving in the military.

Source: Washington Post December 20, 2018 22:30 UTC