Defense Secretary James Mattis reportedly pushed President Trump to seek congressional approval for last week’s missile strikes against Syria, but was overruled.
The New York Times reported Tuesday that the Pentagon chief tried to rein in Trump, who wanted a swift and decisive strike against the Syrian regime accused of unleashing another chemical weapons attack on its own people.
In a closed-door White House meeting with defense officials last week, Mattis reportedly cited a need for more evidence that Syrian President Bashar Assad carried out the attack and warned of deepening an armed conflict with Russia.
Friday night’s targeted strike was a compromise between the two view points, but Mattis failed in his push to get an OK from lawmakers beforehand.
Mattis characterized the strike on Friday as a “one-time shot” at Syria and “a very strong message to dissuade” further human rights abuses.
U.S. diplomats warned Russia in advance of the incoming strikes, as to avoid casualties.
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JUST IN: Mattis wanted Trump to get congressional approval ahead of Syria strikes but was overruled: report https://t.co/nrZ0OuuaRu pic.twitter.com/s0SZ5pFlzx
— The Hill (@thehill) April 18, 2018
Mattis Wanted Congressional Approval Before Striking Syria. He Was Overruled. via @NYTimes https://t.co/SKnHzb4BKx
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) April 18, 2018
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