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\"We must reject any thinking of our cities as a \"battlespace\" that our uniformed military is called upon to \"dominate,\" Mattis wrote in an apparent reference to current Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who recently used that term in a conference call with governors.

\"We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Park. We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution,\" he continued.

\"At the same time, we must remember Lincoln's \"better angels,\" and listen to them, as we work to unite,\" he wrote. \"Only by adopting a new path -- which means, in truth, returning to the original path of our founding ideals -- will we again be a country admired and respected at home and abroad.\"

Mattis' rare public comments about Trump are a major shift for a man who has always maintained he would remain apolitical, as he did during his distinguished Marine career.

\"It was an honor to serve under Secretary Mattis in the Pentagon, both as an American and as a former United State Marine,\" said Mick Mulroy, an ABC News contributor who served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Middle East policy.

\"He exemplifies the ethos of service before self and the principle that military officers should be apolitical,\" said Mulroy. \"I believe he was apolitical as secretary and is now. It was probably a difficult decision to write this statement and that makes it even more important.\"

This report was featured in the Thursday, June 4, 2020, episode of “Start Here,” ABC News’ daily news podcast.

\"Start Here\" offers a straightforward look at the day's top stories in 20 minutes. Listen for free every weekday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, the ABC News app or wherever you get your podcasts.

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