![Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, one of President Trump's most important early advisers, is the latest to depart the administration](https://will.illinois.edu/images/uploads/51700/ap_18149795188109-005976bb120cc0a47df5a1e1b2625fb842b36534-s800-c85__medium.jpg)
Defense Secretary Mattis Resigns Amid Syria And Afghanistan Tension
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, a living Marine Corps legend who made history by securing special permission from Congress to lead the Pentagon, is stepping down after a slow freeze-out by President Trump.