President Donald Trump’s announcement on Thursday that Jim Mattis would be stepping down as secretary of defense in February was a shock to many conservatives ― and not in a good way.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a statement that he was “distressed that [Mattis] is resigning due to sharp differences with the president on ... key aspects of America’s global leadership.”

As the news hit social media, a slew of Republican pundits and politicians ― many of whom were already outspoken Trump critics ― tweeted to share what was really on their minds.

Spoiler alert: It’s not pretty.

Ok time to panic https://t.co/D8a8pX50iU — David Frum (@davidfrum) December 20, 2018

Not a word of praise for Trump. Speaks volumes. https://t.co/WxbVbWLy5s — George Conway (@gtconway3d) December 20, 2018

Just read Gen. Mattis resignation letter. It makes it abundantly clear that we are headed towards a series of grave policy errors which will endanger our nation,damage our alliances & empower our adversaries. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ztc0Yihccn — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 20, 2018

Donald Trump just lost the most significant, stabilizing, and competent member of his entire administration.



I'm legitimately frightened for the country. — Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) December 20, 2018

Never been more alarmed for the nation since coming to D.C. over three decades ago. https://t.co/gmzADF5z9r — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) December 20, 2018

Mattis has been the adult in the room when it comes to national security policy and I find his impending departure alarming. For the last two years he has been a buffer between the chaos of the White House and our military. — Rep. Mike Coffman (@RepMikeCoffman) December 20, 2018

This is a sad day. General Mattis was giving advice POTUS needs to hear. Mattis rightly believes that Russia & China are adversaries, and that we are at war with jihadists across the globe who plot to kill Americans. Isolationism is a weak strategy that will harm Americans... — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) December 20, 2018

GOP primary challenge to Trump became a lot more plausible today. https://t.co/E3ZONrksSb — Charlie Sykes (@SykesCharlie) December 20, 2018

H/T RawStory

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This article has been updated with McConnell’s statement.

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