Mattis Resignation Letter Full Text. In a resignation letter to President Trump, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis stressed the importance of alliances. Further, that a full transition to a new Secretary of Defense occurs well in advance of the transition of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in September.
President Trump on Thursday announced that Defense Secretary James Mattis will be retiring in February.
Donald Trump announced the defense secretary's resignation on Thursday night.
In his resignation letter, which leaked shortly after the announcement, Mattis argued that the strength of the U. Further, that a full transition to a new Secretary of Defense occurs well in advance of the transition of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in September. In his letter, Mattis cited the importance of US alliances, particularly NATO, and said the US must stand 'resolute and unambiguous' in the face of authoritarian countries such as China and Russia.