With two days of grueling confirmation hearings in the books, it’s time for Retired Marine General James “Mad Dog” Mattis, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, to field some questions. In his prepared remarks, Mattis is expected to emphasize the importance of international alliances and bringing “business reforms to the Department of Defense by instilling budget discipline.” Per The Hill:
‘We must embrace our international alliances and security partnerships. History is clear: nations with strong allies thrive and those without them wither,” he is expected to say.
The statement is somewhat of a departure from the rhetoric President-elect Donald Trump used on the campaign trail, where he called into question the value of alliances such as NATO.
Mattis will also list strengthening alliances as one of his priorities, along with strengthening military readiness and reforming the Pentagon. ‘If you confirm me, my watchwords will be solvency and security in providing for the protection of our people and the survival of our freedoms,’ he will say.
‘My priorities as secretary of Defense will be to strengthen military readiness, strengthen our alliances in league with our diplomatic partners, and bring business reforms to the Department of Defense by instilling budget discipline and holding our leaders accountable.’
This post was published at Zero Hedge on Jan 12, 2017.
Follow on Twitter
Recent Comments