Is General Mattis About to be Replaced by a Democrat?

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering former Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) as outgoing Defense Secretary James Mattis’ replacement. (The Daily Caller)
 

According to a report from The New York Times, Webb has been approached by representatives for both Vice President Mike Pence and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

Representatives for Vice President Mike Pence and Mick Mulvaney, the acting White House chief of staff, have reached out to Mr. Webb, one of the three officials said. Separately, a senior Defense Department official confirmed that Mr. Webb’s name had been circulating at the White House. Those two and the third official all spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the internal discussions.

Webb’s vocal opposition to the Iraq war and former President Barack Obama’s Iran Deal — along with his belief that China should be dealt with aggressively — seem to align him with much of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. He also fails to align with the more progressive Democrats on other key issues like climate change.

The Naval Academy graduate and Vietnam veteran also served as President Ronald Reagan’s secretary of the Navy. While in Vietnam, he earned the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals and two Purple Hearts.

Webb briefly entered the 2016 Democratic presidential primary but withdrew after the first debate where he admitted the enemy he was most proud of making was the Vietnamese soldier who wounded him, adding “but, he’s not around right now to talk to.”