«As I think we are all aware…»
On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense James Mattis made a surprise visit to the White House press room to address military funding with the possibility of an upcoming government shutdown rapidly approaching.
However, the reporters were focused on asking Mattis questions about the military parade that President Donald Trump is planning.
One reporter asked where things are in the planning phases of the parade and if Mattis had any cost estimates.
Mattis responded:
“As I think we’re all aware in this country of the president’s affection and respect for the military, we’ve been putting together some options. We’ll send them up to the White House for decision.”
Then another reporter chimed in and doubled down on the question. She said, “You think every dollar counts, so why divert time, energy and financial resources to the planning of a parade as the president has asked?”
Mattis responded and clearly wasn’t having any of it:
“Again, I think that what my responsibility is to make certain I lay out the strategy and make the argument for the oversight of Congress to make a determination of fully funding us. As far as the parade goes, again, the president’s respect, his fondness for the military I think is reflected in him asking for these options.”
