Pres. Trump: Defense Secretary James Mattis to retire at end of February

Published December 20, 2018 4:30pm CST

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Donald Trump said Thursday, Dec. 20 Defense Secretary James Mattis will be retiring at the end of February and a new chief will be named shortly.

President Trump's announcement comes a day after he surprised U.S. allies and members of Congress by announcing the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria.