WASHINGTON – The USGLC President and CEO, released the following statement on the announcement from Secretary Jim Mattis to resign early next year:

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition salutes Jim Mattis whose service and reputation are unmatched. Throughout his career, he never missed an opportunity to reinforce the importance of American diplomacy and development to our nation’s security – including his time as a valued member of the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council.

Nothing was more transformative than when he testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee as a four-star combatant commander, stating, “If you don’t fully fund the State Department, then I need to buy more ammunition.”

As Secretary, he also spoke out in support of our civilian tools: “America’s got two fundamental powers: the power of intimidation and the power of inspiration.” His voice will always be needed and his inspiration has truly helped build a better, safer world – for that our nation owes Jim Mattis a debt of gratitude.