“For me it is an honor to be recognized as such by Donald Trump, because he also called Meryl Streep an overrated actress. I guess I'm Meryl Streep among the generals. Thanks, I really like it, ”Mattis joked.

President Trump called his former Defense Sec. General James Mattis “overrated” last week. Here's how Gen. Mattis responded. https://t.co/pNmFzbsJhtpic.twitter.com/98MopMWvaR

- CNBC (@CNBC) October 21, 2019

The former head of the Pentagon noted that "at least he and Meryl have victories behind him."

In January, Trump said that "in fact" fired Pentagon chief James Mattis.

According to the general, he decided to resign so that the American leader could find the Minister of Defense with more similar views.