United States Secretary of Defense
Mattis was forced out of his job early after his resignation letter angered President Donald Trump.
“Patrick has a long list of accomplishments," President Donald Trump tweeted Sunday. "He will be great!"
He accelerated his plan to leave by around two months after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced his own departure.
The Senate majority leader offered a rare public expression of disagreement with President Donald Trump.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Marco Rubio says the defense secretary's decision makes it clear the country is headed toward "a series of grave policy errors."
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is leaving his post in February, citing conflicting views with President Donald Trump.
The retired general had split with the president on issues including torture, Russia and transgender service members.
The meeting with Kim Jong Un "was all about show," the former defense secretary said.
Defense Secretary nominee Gen. James Mattis declined to disavow his past comments that women in combat and openly serving gay members of the armed services harm the military.