US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis dismissed Wednesday a fresh round of rumours suggesting his days at the Pentagon might be numbered due to deteriorating relations with President Donald Trump.
The buttoned-up former Marine general is loathe to discuss politics or his dynamic with his mercurial boss, but a new book by veteran political reporter Bob Woodward has thrust the two mens' relationship into the spotlight.
Among other claims, Woodward said Mattis questioned Trump's judgment and likened the president's understanding to that of a 10- or 11-year-old child.
Citing current and former US officials, The New York Times published a story Saturday casting Mattis's future as being in doubt as Trump seeks to surround himself with hardcore loyalists and yes-men.
"It'll die down soon and the people who started the rumour will be allowed to write the next rumour too, just the way this town is," Mattis told Pentagon reporters.
"Keep a sense of humour about it."
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