Another former staffer of Donald Trump’s has taken some very critical shots at the President, but these will not be so easy for Trump to dismiss or defend.
Former Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, has an upcoming book release, some of which was published in the form of an essay in The Wall Street Journal.
Veiled Criticism
Mattis left the administration because he did not like the way Trump was handling the situation in the Middle East.
Now, apparently, it is quite clear that he did not really approve of Trump’s overall foreign policy approach, either.
In his essay, Mattis stated that he “did as well as I could, for as long as I could” during his days as Secretary of Defense.
The veiled shots at Trump also tell the tale of a man that has an overall dislike of the political climate we are all seeing this country trapped in currently.
However, make no mistake about it, his comments are a direct hit against the policies and practices of this administration as well as President Trump himself.
The Critiques
Mattis apparently does not like the perception of Trump putting America first, even before that of our allies.
He stated that America “cannot go it alone.”
He further stated, “Nations with allies thrive, and those without them wither.
“Alone, America cannot protect our people and our economy.
“At this time, we can see storm clouds gathering.”
One of the more critical lines refers to Trump as a “polemicist,” someone that thrives on controversial debate.
Mattis states, “A polemicist’s role is not sufficient for a leader.
“A leader must display strategic acumen that incorporates respect for those nations that have stood with us when trouble loomed.”
He further stated, “When my concrete solutions and strategic advice, especially keeping faith with our allies, no longer resonated, it was time to resign, despite the limitless joy I felt serving alongside our troops in defense of our Constitution.
He then took a shot at the entire system, stating, “We are dividing into hostile tribes cheering against each other, fueled by emotion and a mutual disdain that jeopardizes our future instead of rediscovering our common ground and finding solutions.
“All Americans need to recognize that our democracy is an experiment—and one that can be reversed.
“We all know that we’re better than our current politics.”
Dangerous Waters
Trump will undoubtedly respond to this, but he better be very careful in how he does.
When Mattis left the administration, Donald Trump was very complimentary of him.
Mattis is a legitimate war hero to whom much of our military remains loyal.
If Trump attacks Mattis in any way, he risks alienating a significant portion of his base that is currently serving and has served in the past.
Each and every unkind and insulting word Trump utters against Mattis will not be taken lightly, so Trump would be best served to let the news cycle do with this story as it will and allow it to die down simply by not responding to it.
I say this with all seriousness… If Trump attacks Mattis as he has done with Scaramucci and other former staffers, it will more than likely put an end to any hope he has of winning a second term.
You may doubt this and you may even take a few shots at me for saying it, but to believe otherwise is foolish.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
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