New Defense Secretary James Mattis Sworn In, Gets To Work

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Newly sworn-in Defense Secretary James N. Mattis quietly arrived at the Pentagon for the first time in his new role today, stepping out of a black sport utility vehicle at noon before entering the building and getting to work.

Mattis, wearing a dark suit and overcoat, was greeted by Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as they shared a handshake and laugh. The two men have known each other for years, serving together as senior Marine Corps officers before Mattis retired as the four-star chief of U.S. Central Command in 2013.

Mattis and Dunford ascended a staircase at the Pentagon overlooking the Potomac River and Washington. Mattis offered no response when asked by assembled media what is first on his agenda.

The majority of the Pentagon was empty and dark, although a few dozen tourists walked the grounds before his arrival. Most of them were dressed in red and blue paraphernalia showing support for newly sworn-in President Donald Trump, while hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated against Trump across the river in the Women’s March on Washington.

Defense officials said they do not expect Mattis to announce any policy changes Saturday. On Friday night, after his nomination was accepted by the Senate and signed by Trump, Mattis released an initial message to Defense Department personnel that said both they and those working in U.S. intelligence are “sentinels and guardians of our nation” – a message that is in line with the new secretary’s past statements, but which contrasts repeated remarks from Trump, who has questioned the value of U.S. intelligence in recent weeks.

Mattis also promised to work to strengthen U.S. alliances abroad, some of which have been rattled by Trump questioning their worth.

“Every action we take will be designed to ensure our military is ready to fight today and in the future,” Mattis said. “Recognizing that no nation is secure without friends, we will work with the State Department, to strengthen our alliances. Further, we are devoted to gaining full value from every taxpayer dollar spent on defense, thereby earning the trust of Congress and the American people.”

(c) 2017, The Washington Post · Dan Lamothe 

{Matzav.com}


4 COMMENTS

  1. Mike Pence looks like a serious guy. He should’ve gotten a nice position in the Trump administration. Being a VP is generally a loser job relegated to holding little minority babies and smiling for the media. Hopefully he can move up a little.

    • The VPOTUS position is whatever the VPOTUS wants to make it. Some, like Cheney were very strong and active, while others, like Biden, were doing the things you mention.

      I suspect Mike Pence will fall into the former category.

  2. “Broygas Hint” Matis (yahoo) zol huben asach hatzlocho. Ober er zol nisht machen of mine lawn azoy vee a poor meshigena hint!

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