Trump Reportedly Insults Mattis as ‘Moderate Dog’ Behind His Back

President Donald Trump has reportedly Defense Secretary as James Mattis as “moderate dog,” an insult based on his infamous military nickname “Mad Dog.”

According to Politico, Trump used the insult as a way to voice his displeasure with what he deems as Mattis’ refusal to succumb to the president’s wishes.Trump has used the disparaging nickname in private meetings, despite Mattis’ notable presence within the administration.

Some officials who spoke to Politico even believe Mattis will leave his post or be ousted after the upcoming midterm elections in November.

However, not all of Trump’s supporters in Washington want Mattis out.

Senator John Barrasso  (R-WY) told Politico that Mattis “does a great job” and should “absolutely” remain in the Trump administration, while Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma — who also chairs the Senate Armed Forces Committee — claims Mattis staying or leaving depends “on whether I have anything or not to say about it.”

The battle between Trump and Mattis goes both ways, though.

In an excerpt from Bob Woodward‘s book on the Trump White House, Mattis reportedly said the president has “a fifth- or sixth-grader” education on the Korean conflict.

The Defense Secretary denies saying this, however.

“[The] contemptuous words about the President attributed to me in Woodward’s book were never uttered by me or in my presence,” Mattis said in a statement

[image via screengrab]

Follow the author on Twitter (@calebecarma).

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!