Army Quote by James Mattis
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware that any changes to that will come through Congress and the president.”
About This Quote
Source Testimony: CIA Director confirmation hearing, U.S. Senate, January 2017
The speaker would not expect either president to ask for something unlawful. He voted to make the Army Field Manual the standard, knows the law, and says changes must come through Congress and the president.
In simple terms: I support the legal standard and don't expect illegal orders.
Key Takeaway
Stand firmly by the law.
Themes
law
military
national security
congressional authority
interrogation policy
Mood
measured
firm
Type
political statement
testimony
When to use this quote
- government hearings
- policy compliance
- leadership under pressure
- public accountability
Key Concepts
rule of law
separation of powers
Army Field Manual
civil-military relations
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond to legally questionable requests?
- What role do hearings play in accountability?
A Different Perspective
Some argue officials should proactively refuse unlawful orders, not merely say they cannot imagine being asked.
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