Jim Mattis' Resignation Has Conservatives Admitting It's 'Time To Panic' About Trump
President Donald Trump’s announcement on Thursday that Jim Mattis would be stepping down as secretary of defense in February was a shock to many conservatives ― and not in a good way.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a statement that he was “distressed that [Mattis] is resigning due to sharp differences with the president on ... key aspects of America’s global leadership.”
As the news hit social media, a slew of Republican pundits and politicians ― many of whom were already outspoken Trump critics ― tweeted to share what was really on their minds.
Spoiler alert: It’s not pretty.
Ok time to panic https://t.co/D8a8pX50iU
— David Frum (@davidfrum) December 20, 2018
Not a word of praise for Trump. Speaks volumes. https://t.co/WxbVbWLy5s
— George Conway (@gtconway3d) December 20, 2018
Just read Gen. Mattis resignation letter. It makes it abundantly clear that we are headed towards a series of grave policy errors which will endanger our nation,damage our alliances & empower our adversaries. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ztc0Yihccn
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 20, 2018
Donald Trump just lost the most significant, stabilizing, and competent member of his entire administration.
I'm legitimately frightened for the country.— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) December 20, 2018
Never been more alarmed for the nation since coming to D.C. over three decades ago. https://t.co/gmzADF5z9r
— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) December 20, 2018
Mattis has been the adult in the room when it comes to national security policy and I find his impending departure alarming. For the last two years he has been a buffer between the chaos of the White House and our military.
— Rep. Mike Coffman (@RepMikeCoffman) December 20, 2018
This is a sad day. General Mattis was giving advice POTUS needs to hear. Mattis rightly believes that Russia & China are adversaries, and that we are at war with jihadists across the globe who plot to kill Americans. Isolationism is a weak strategy that will harm Americans...
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) December 20, 2018
GOP primary challenge to Trump became a lot more plausible today. https://t.co/E3ZONrksSb
— Charlie Sykes (@SykesCharlie) December 20, 2018
H/T RawStory
This article has been updated with McConnell’s statement.
Also on HuffPost
Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
