The press wants to know what Mattis thinks about Trump calling him ‘sort of a Democrat.’ His perfect response ...

Evie Fordham, DCNF

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 8: (AFP OUT) US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis (R) listens to US President Donald J. Trump (L) deliver remarks during a meeting with members of his Cabinet, in the Cabinet Room of the White House March 8, 2018 in Washington, DC, (Photo by Michael Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images) — (Photo by Michael Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images)

Defense Secretary James Mattis discussed his political affiliation during a flight to Vietnam Monday after President Donald Trump called Mattis “sort of a Democrat” during a “60 Minutes” interview that aired Sunday.

“I’ve never registered for any political party,” Mattis told reporters Monday.

Mattis talked about how his years in the U.S. Marine Corps shaped him Monday.

“When I was 18, I joined the Marine Corps, and in the U.S. military we are proudly apolitical,” he said according to CNN journalist Jake Tapper. “By that, I mean that in our duties, we were brought up to obey the elected commander in chief, whoever that is. … Since I was in the military longer than some of you have been alive, I have seen Republicans and Democrats come and go.”

Mattis also addressed rumors about his departure that were sparked during Trump’s “60 Minutes” segment.

“I’m on his team. We have never talked about me leaving,” Mattis said, according to Fox News journalist Lucas Tomlinson.

Lesley Stahl of “60 Minutes” asked Trump if Mattis was one of the members of his cabinet the president was unhappy with and if the defense secretary was planning to depart in an interview that aired Sunday.

“I have a very good relationship with [Mattis]. … I think he’s sort of a Democrat, if you want to know the truth,” Trump said. “But General Mattis is a good guy. We get along very well. He may leave. I mean, at some point, everybody leaves. Everybody. People leave. That’s Washington.”

Follow Evie on Twitter @eviefordham.

Trump says Mattis ‘is sort of a Democrat’ when asked about rumors he’s leaving. So starts the spin … https://t.co/u30p3Jg0ps pic.twitter.com/B42q5AbZ6i

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