Trump says Gen. James 'Mad Dog' Mattis is a 'very impressive' option for defense secretary

President-elect Donald Trump indicated on Twitter Sunday morning that retired Marine Gen. James Mattis is a leading option for the Defense Department. Referencing this weekend's array of meetings with possible Cabinet nominees, Trump called Mattis "very impressive."

With 44 years of service in the Marine Corps, Mattis was a combat commander in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was praised for his role in the battle of Fallujah. He generated controversy in 2005 by remarking, "It's fun to shoot some people," like those who abuse women in Afghanistan; and he considers Iran "the single most enduring threat to stability and peace in the Middle East."

For Mattis to be confirmed, Congress would have to waive a rule requiring seven years between an officer's retirement and acceptance of a civilian role; Mattis retired in 2013.

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