President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE called James Mattis “the real deal” on Saturday following his meeting with the retired Marine Corps general who is reportedly in the running as a potential pick for Defense secretary.

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The two emerged from Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, N.J., on Saturday afternoon as Trump held a series of meetings with advisers and potential cabinet picks, including 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Asked how the meeting went, Trump responded, “All I can say is he is the real deal."

"We're gonna see," Trump responded when asked if Mattis had a place in his administration.

“He's just a brilliant, wonderful man. What a career and we are going to see what happens, but he is the real deal," Trump said.

The two came out about an hour after Mattis arrived at the golf course.

Secretaries of Defense are required to have been out of the military for at least seven years. Mattis, who retired in 2013 after leading U.S. Central Command, would need a waiver from Congress in addition to Senate confirmation to serve in the position.