Mattis’ Family Says He’s Not Mad Trump Forced Him Out Two Months Early

In an interview with the Seattle Times, Tom Mattis, the older brother of soon-to-be-former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, recalled the phone conservation he had on Sunday after President Donald Trump decided to move up his brother’s departure date to the beginning of the year.

Tom Mattis, who lives in their hometown of Richland in Washington state, said James Mattis was not angry about the fiasco, which was prompted by Trump’s decision to completely withdraw all U.S. forces from Syria.

“He was very calm about the whole thing. Very matter of fact. No anger,” he told the Times. “As I have said many times in other circumstances, Jim knows who he is … many more Americans [now] know his character.”

“No one should assume that his service to his country will end. And the manner of his departure is yet another service to the nation. It is the very definition of patriotism and integrity,” Tom Mattis added.

In his letter of resignation, coverage of which angered Trump and was a factor in pushing him out two months early, James Mattis wrote his “views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues.”

Tom Mattis said the language of the resignation letter does not surprise him: “Jim will always give his best advice and speak truth to power — regardless of the consequences.”

While the Defense Secretary is famous for his over 40 year Marine Corps career, Tom Mattis was the first to join the Marines. He had served for six years starting in 1967, including a 14-month tour of duty in Vietnam in an artillery battalion.

“I think there was no question that, for both of us, when we would come of age we would end up enlisting,” he said.

In the resignation letter, James Mattis said he planned on staying until the end of February to ensure a permeant replacement could be chosen and to attend a previously scheduled NATO meeting.

“I very much appreciate this opportunity to serve the nation and our men and women in uniform,” he added.