Defending the Nation With Secretary of Defense James Mattis

Recorded on Friday, May 11, 2018 in Washington DC.

In his first televised interview in almost a year, Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis sits down with Peter Robinson to discuss a wide range of issues facing the United States Armed Forces at home and across the globe. Earlier this year, Secretary Mattis published the National Defense Strategy, the first such document in a decade. Secretary Mattis describes why the document is an important blueprint for the Armed Forces and what he hopes to accomplish by publishing it.

After a moving story about a captured Iraqi suicide bomber, Secretary Mattis describes the complicated nature of our relationship with China and the possible flash points in the South China Sea. A discussion follows about Europe and how political controversies with Russia affect our military relationship and why Secretary Mattis believes NATO is not a threat to them. Moving on to the Middle East, Secretary Mattis defines our mission in Syria, comments on the use of chemical weapons, and explains why that theater is the most complex security conundrum he’s seen in his forty-year career. He says that the refugees coming out of Syria are more traumatized than refugees he’s seen anywhere else in the world. He discusses the need to work with the international community on the refugee crisis as, “It is a tragedy much worse than anything BBC or CNN can show.”

In the Far East, Mattis describes how a coordinated effort across different departments of the US federal government and allied countries have achieved a dialogue that may lead to the denuclearization of North Korea. Secretary Mattis also makes the case that the Iranian regime and the Iranian people are different constituencies with different priorities and agendas. He relates how he is reforming the Pentagon’s provisioning and spending policies and why it’s important for the military (the seventeenth largest economy in the world) to be a responsible steward of the nation’s tax dollars.

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[hancock]

America could use more men like James Mattis.

[pkyamaha]

"You own us and we're accountable to you." Glad to hear somebody in government who gets it.

[nelsano]

This man just oozes integrity. You feel safe with men of this calibre in office.

[aldoushuxley]

God bless you James Mattis for your unwavering commitment to the protection of America and it's allies. Thank you Peter Robinson for years upon years of intelligent interviewing. Americans like you are what make America such an inspirational power. I hope you both continue to do what you do for many years to come.

[paulgoodell]

I already liked Jim Mattis a lot, but wow. That was as good a portrait of a supremely confident, outstandingly competent, and amazingly dedicated public servant as you're ever going to get.

[johnomara]

We are so lucky to have a man like Mattis at the helm

[johangreyling]

Look at this video if you want to hear what someone walking in the light sounds like...

[DosLos]

“I don’t have stress, I create it.” America is in good shape with him at the wheel.

[mdicated]

I never knew about the man, until Trump mentioned him. I love, that he's so open and doing interviews, shows that he's really dedicated to the American people. btw, I'm watching this from Estonia and I'm glad to know that we have so capable allies

[David-kdmf]

"If something is slipping away it is internal" - Mattis

[forestalfrank]

Great content!
Greatings from Austria.

[woozie]

Great interview. Mattis is an amazing man, to say the least.

[jakezgab]

Educational interview, General Mattis is a great American. God bless

[nicktumia]

One of the smartest military man ever, very inspirational.

[nancyorourke]

Always knows the data to discuss and how to handle the shortfalls of the data. Love listening to him speak! He is a genius on Strategy issues! Thank you for continuing to serve our country Secretary Mattis! You are a Hero to me!

[yudimandel]

What a principled thoughtful man. American made.

[rthomas]

Eloquent, articulate and among the wisest statesman. "Strong men have sound ideas and the force to make these ideas effective" Andrew Mellon.

[krileayn]

Finally an interesting guest. Good Show

[billhouston]

Secretary Mattis is not only a true patriot but also a wise warrior and philosopher. The United States of America is safe with people like him in high office, whether military or otherwise. The Free World also may view him as someone who can be counted upon to do the right thing regarding threats to world peace and security. James Mattis is a keeper.

[Thomas-vykv]

What a nuanced, thoughtful interview! Been waiting for another interview with General Mattis since I watched the last one.