Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., warned Thursday that some of President Trump’s own national security policies could be detrimental to the country after reading Defense Secretary Jim Mattis’ resignation letter to the president.
“Just read Gen. Mattis resignation letter. It makes it abundantly clear that we are headed towards a series of grave policy errors which will endanger our nation,damage our alliances & empower our adversaries,” Rubio tweeted shortly following Trump’s announcement that Mattis would be stepping down in February.
“I hope we who have supported this administrations initiatives over the last two years can persuade the President to choose a different direction. But we must also fulfill our constitutional duty to conduct oversight over the policies of the executive branch,” the Florida Republican wrote.
Just read Gen. Mattis resignation letter. It makes it abundantly clear that we are headed towards a series of grave policy errors which will endanger our nation,damage our alliances & empower our adversaries. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ztc0Yihccn
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 20, 2018
Rubio, a 2016 GOP presidential candidate, had earlier praised Mattis, a former four-star Marine general, for serving the country “with great distinction.”
“For the sake of our national security I hope his decision to resign was motivated solely by a desire to enjoy a well deserved retirement,” Rubio tweeted.
Gen.Mattis has served our nation with great distinction. He will not be easy to replace.
For the sake of our national security I hope his decision to resign was motivated solely by a desire to enjoy a well deserved retirement.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 20, 2018
Mattis on Thursday resigned on principle as Pentagon chief after Trump decided to slash U.S. troop numbers in Syria and Afghanistan. In his letter, he wrote of the need for “a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned” with that of the commander in chief.
“One core belief I have always held is that our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliances and partnerships,” Mattis wrote. “While the U.S. remains the indispensable nation in the free world, we cannot protect our interests or serve that role effectively without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to those allies.”
Rubio is among a bipartisan collection of lawmakers on Capitol Hill expressing ardent criticism of Trump’s new approach to Syria and Afghanistan.
