James Mattis, retired U.S. Marine Corps general, is among the top candidates as the next defense secretary under president-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, CNN reported Monday.
The channel noted that the National Defense Authorization Act will prevent Mattis from an immediate appointment to the defense secretary position unless he receives a waiver from Congress.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Arizona) referred to Mattis as “one of the finest military officers of his generation and an extraordinary leader.”
“This is a very tough warrior who is a strategic thinker that thinks about the second and third order effects of every decision when you use your military,” said Mike Rogers, a former House Intelligence Committee chairman.
“That’s why I think he’s attractive to the Trump folks and why he would, if he could go through this process, would be a really good secretary of defense.”
