Trump to nominate Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis as secretary of defense

In this Nov. 9, 2016, file photo, President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a rally in New York.
In this Nov. 9, 2016, file photo, President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a rally in New York.

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President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis to lead the Defense Department.

Trump made the announcement during a post-election victory rally Thursday in Cincinnati.

Mattis retired in 2013 after serving as the commander of the U.S. Central Command.

In a tweet Sunday, Trump referred to Mattis by his nickname "Mad Dog" and described him as "A true General's General!"

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