Retired Gen. James Mattis, in a letter to the Pentagon’s chief ethics officer outlining his plans to avoid conflict of interest as defense secretary, revealed he’s written a book that has yet to be published.
“I have a publishing agreement with Random House Publishers for royalties from the future publication of an untitled book that I have written,” Mattis said in a Jan. 6 letter to the Pentagon’s general counsel.
Mattis said the book is done, and pledged to do nothing to promote it during his time as Pentagon leader.
“I have completed the writing of this book and all other activities required under the publishing agreement,” Mattis wrote. “During my appointment, I will not engage in any writing, editing, or promotional activities associated with the book and will not provide any other services under the publishing agreement.”
What Mattis didn’t say was what the book was about, including whether it was fiction or nonfiction.
He also promised to recuse himself from any issue in which Random House Publishers is a party or represents a party.
