Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he is "distressed" at the resignation of Secretary of Defense James Mattis, pointing out Mattis cited differences of opinion with President Donald Trump as his reasons for leaving the Pentagon.
"I believe it's essential that the United States maintain and strengthen the post-World War II alliances that have been carefully built by leaders in both parties," McConnell said in a statement. "We must also maintain a clear-eyed understanding of our friends and foes, and recognize that nations like Russia are among the latter.
"So, I was sorry to learn that Secretary Mattis, who shares those clear principles, will soon depart the administration. But I am particularly distressed that he is resigning due to sharp differences with the president on these and other key aspects of America's global leadership."
Mattis' resignation announcement came one day after Trump said he would withdraw all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria. Mattis opposed that decision, Reuters reported.
Trump now has two months to find someone else to lead the Pentagon.
"It is regrettable that the president must now choose a new secretary of defense," McConnell said. "But I urge him to select a leader who shares Secretary Mattis' understanding of these vital principles and his total commitment to America's service members."
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