Sen. John McCain said he is pleased that President-elect Trump appears to be favoring the selection of retired Marine Gen. James Mattis for defense secretary, calling him “one of the finest military officers of his generation.”
“General Mattis is … a leader who inspires a rare and special admiration of his troops,” McCain said. “He is a forthright strategic thinker. His integrity is unshakable and unquestionable.”
Trump over the weekend signaled that Mattis is his leading candidate to head the Pentagon.
On Sunday, he tweeted: “General James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, who is being considered for Secretary of Defense, was very impressive yesterday. A true General’s General!”
McCain also praised Mattis, who served as commander of the Central Command from 2010 to 2013, for earning “his knowledge and experience the old-fashioned way: in the crucible of our nation’s defense and the service of heroes.
“Gen. Mattis has a clear understanding of the many challenges facing the Department of Defense, the U.S. military, and our national security,” McCain added. “I hope he has an opportunity to serve America again.”
