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.'
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
