Topic: James Mattis

Governor Cuomo noted that New York's death rate had dropped to 35, though he questioned how hospitals were attributing causes of death for the gravely ill. Former Defense Secretary James Mattis issued a statement accusing President Trump of being a threat to the Constitution. Meanwhile, health officials expressed confidence that a vaccine would be ready by late 2020 or early 2021.

Retired generals including James Mattis, Colin Powell, and John Kelly are accused of violating Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This article prohibits retired officers from using "contemptuous words" against the President of the United States. Colonel Black suggests that the Secretary of Defense should issue letters of reprimand to these officers for undermining the Commander-in-Chief's authority.

A new ad campaign from the group "Defending Democracy Together," led by Bill Kristol, attacks President Trump for allegedly "hiding" in a bunker during protests. Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino clarified that moving a president to a bunker is a mandatory Secret Service protocol, not a personal choice. The ad also features criticisms from former Defense Secretary James Mattis regarding the President's leadership.

Former Defense Secretary James Mattis and other retired military leaders, including Mike Mullen and Martin Dempsey, are featured in a media narrative condemning President Trump. An article in The Atlantic is cited where Mattis criticizes the lack of "mature leadership." The hosts point out that the media often uses misleading headlines, such as claiming Mattis called Trump a "threat to the Constitution," which was not in the actual text.

A long-time producer, Sir Animas of Dogpatch, provides a report on the Astana process regarding the Syrian peace framework involving Russia, Iran, and Turkey. The report analyzes James Mattis's 2018 resignation letter and the subsequent withdrawal of U.S. troops from the buffer area. The producer also comments on the "mysterious headaches" experienced by diplomats in Cuba.

President Trump nominates Patrick Shanahan to serve as the permanent Secretary of Defense after he served as acting chief following James Mattis's departure. The hosts note that Shanahan was cleared of ethics violations related to his former employer, Boeing. They highlight the significance of the role given the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Mitt Romney expressed dismay over President Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria, citing the resignations of James Mattis and Brett McGurk. Romney argued that a U.S. presence is necessary to maintain a stable world for trade and to protect allies like the Kurds from regional powers including Turkey, Russia, and Iran.

Intelligence insider Steve Pieczenik provides an analysis of the departures of Generals John Kelly and James Mattis from the Trump administration. Pieczenik describes Trump's personality through a cycle of "idealization and realization," where he initially over-praises associates before turning on them. The report suggests Kelly could no longer handle Trump's erratic behavior, which Pieczenik nicknames "Woody Woodpecker."

The professional judgment of James Mattis is questioned due to his previous role on the board of directors for Theranos, the failed blood-testing startup. Other high-profile board members included Colin Powell and George Shultz. The segment suggests these figures were manipulated by Elizabeth Holmes, casting doubt on their fitness for government authority.

General James Mattis resigned as Secretary of Defense following President Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan. Media figures and politicians from both parties criticized the move, while historical clips of Mattis discussing the "hoot" of combat are revisited. Rumors are mentioned suggesting Mattis was considering a 2020 presidential run, contributing to the rift with the White House.

Internal conflicts at the Pentagon involved disagreements over the appointment of Mark Milley as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff over Mattis's preferred candidate, David Goldfein. Additionally, the Department of Defense's failure to pass its first-ever financial audit is cited as a significant but underreported factor in the leadership transition.

Defense Secretary James Mattis and Chief of Staff John Kelly issued formal denials regarding quotes attributed to them in Bob Woodward's book. The hosts compare this to the fallout from Michael Wolff's book, which led to Steve Bannon's exit. They note that while Mattis and Kelly denied the reports, Rex Tillerson notably never denied calling the president an "idiot" before his firing.

U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley stated that the "fire and fury" promised by President Trump was not an empty threat and that military options are on the table if diplomacy fails. The hosts note that despite the rhetoric, Japanese citizens do not seem panicked, and no diplomats have been recalled from South Korea yet.

President Trump tweeted that "talking is not the answer" regarding North Korea, seemingly contradicting Defense Secretary James Mattis, who stated the U.S. is never out of diplomatic solutions. The mixed signals followed a North Korean missile launch that passed over Japanese territory.

Concerns are raised about the high number of military generals in top White House positions, including H.R. McMaster, John Kelly, and James Mattis. McMaster is described as having a "legendary temper," which the hosts speculate could be a sign of a bipolar personality. The segment questions whether the administration is undergoing a "soft military coup" as these figures take control of policy and personnel.

Former Ambassador James Jeffrey praised the Trump administration's diplomatic execution of the Syrian strike, noting that Tillerson and Mattis coordinated effectively with allies. However, the discussion questions why the State Department is taking the lead on military briefings rather than the Defense Department. This shift is viewed as a continuation of the "militarization" of the State Department that began under Hillary Clinton.

Donald Trump labels NATO "obsolete" and criticizes Angela Merkel's migrant policy, causing concern among European allies. Defense Secretary nominee James Mattis offers a more traditional defense of the alliance. The hosts discuss Trump's view of the EU as a trade competitor and the historical purpose of NATO in managing European internal conflicts.

During his confirmation hearing, General James "Mad Dog" Mattis emphasized "military lethality" and "readiness" over social issues. Responding to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Mattis stated he is not looking to roll back existing policies regarding women in combat or LGBT service members unless they are proven to impact the force's ability to fight.

Tulsi Gabbard defends Donald Trump's selection of retired generals for cabinet positions, arguing against discrimination based on military service. The hosts discuss the appointments of General James Mattis for Defense and General John Kelly for Homeland Security, noting the mixed reactions from Democrats and the media.

A producer and former Marine sergeant provides a detailed defense of General James Mattis, describing him as a "warrior monk" with a cult following among troops. The note highlights Mattis's habit of checking on guards in the middle of the night and his reluctance to risk lives without clear intelligence. The producer contrasts Mattis's leadership with that of former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.