Secretary of Defense James Mattis

Friday, October 11, 2019

On October 11, 2019, Mount Vernon hosted General James N. Mattis, retired United States Marine Corps four-star general and the 26th U.S. secretary of defense (January 2017 to January 2019). As part of the 2019 Founding Debates, Mattis sat with Mount Vernon President and CEO Doug Bradburn to discuss his #1 New York Times bestselling book, Call Sign Chaos.

Secretary Mattis sits with Mount Vernon President and CEO Doug Bradburn to discuss his #1 New York Times bestselling book, "Call Sign Chaos."

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Mattis had also visited Mount Vernon the previous year while serving as secretary of defense. On the evening of November 8, 2018, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association welcomed Secretary Mattis and China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. The deputy secretary of defense, secretary of the Army, secretary of the Air Force, and other senior United States military officers and defense department officials also visited the historic estate of George Washington for a private tour and dinner. Entertainment was provided by United States Military Academy Glee Club and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team.

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