US defence chief Mattis has 'no reservations' about Bolton
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said 27 March he had 'no reservations' about working with John Bolton, the controversial hawk named by President Donald Trump to be his new national security advisor.
'Last time I checked he's an American. I can work with an American,' Mattis told reporters.
The retired Marine general said he had never met Bolton before, but expected to get together with him soon at the Pentagon.
A former US ambassador to the United Nations and Fox News contributor, Bolton is known for his vehement opposition to the Iran nuclear deal and defence of a US first strike against North Korea.
Mattis has stressed diplomacy in dealing with both countries and has argued against scrapping the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
Asked whether he could work with Bolton, Mattis said he had 'no reservations, no concerns at all'.
Mattis added: 'I hope that there's some different world views, that's the normal thing you want unless you want group think.'
More from Defence Notes
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
