US President Donald Trump is in the debate over the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis with sharp criticism of his conduct on the offensive. The Pentagon boss did not recognize the international momentum behind the US military role around the world, Trump wrote today on Twitter.
„We significantly subsidize the military of many very rich countries around the world, while at the same time these countries fully exploit the US and our taxpayers in the trade,“ said Trump. „General Mattis saw no problem in that. I’m doing it and it’s getting fixed. „Trump has long been critical of the imbalance in military and economic affairs with US allies at the expense of the US.
Trump replaces Mattis ahead of time
Mattis had resigned because of differences with Trump over his plan for withdrawal of US troops from Syria, but also offered to remain two months in office. Trump announced on Sunday to replace Mattis on January 1. Vice Minister Patrick Shanahan is to take over the position provisionally.
Trump is angry, according to insiders, what attention Matting’s resignation letter has found in public. In the letter Mattis criticized Trump’s foreign policy and its dealings with the US allies in connection with the surprisingly announced withdrawal of troops.
The highly respected ex-general was considered the last guarantor of traditional US alliance policy in Trump’s Cabinet and the only one who could stop the president from overly explosive military decisions.
