Tester Statement on the Departure of Defense Secretary Mattis

(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement following the announcement that Secretary James Mattis will depart the Department of Defense, saying his views are not “aligned” with President Trump’s:

“As American troops protect us from security threats across the globe, we need strong leadership in Washington that is as united as our men and women on the battlefield. Chaos in President Trump’s Administration threatens our national security. The President must listen to his military leaders and avoid making shoot-from-the-hip decisions that put Americans and our allies in harm’s way.”

Tester supported Mattis’ bipartisan confirmation in 2017.