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."
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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