Ex-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis Calls Trump a Constitutional Threat In a statement published in 'The Atlantic,' the retired Marine General intensely criticized Trump's handling of nationwide protests.
Mattis also voiced his support for protesters, whom he says are seeking equal justice.
Mattis, who resigned in late 2018, added that the president only seeks to divide the country.
Jim Mattis, via 'The Atlantic' Jim Mattis, via 'The Atlantic' Mattis also referenced the forceful removal of peaceful White House protesters before Trump visited a church for a photo op.
Jim Mattis, via 'The Atlantic' Jim Mattis, via 'The Atlantic' Mattis adds that actions taken against the D.C.
Protesters were an "abuse of authority." He goes on to write that focus should not be on a "small number of lawbreakers." Mattis also said that U.S. cities shouldn't be seen as battle areas for the military.
U.S. governors, he explains, should be the only ones to request military action on rare occasions.
Trump has since responded, calling Mattis "the world's most overrated General," in a tweet.
