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Donald Trumps war on the press has been long. To supporters, its been funny. To everyone else, its been a terrifying attack on one of the most fundamental elements of our functioning democracy, which calls back to a similar discrediting that took place in Nazi Germany. Today, in a joint conference with NATOs secretary general,Jens Stoltenberg, Vice PresidentMike Pence tried to assuage those fears.

Rest assured boththe president and I strongly support both a free and independent press, he said, but you can anticipate that the president and all of us will continue to call out the media when they play fast and loose with the facts.

He went on to reference Trumps unique ability to speak directly to Americans. Was he talking about Trumps Twitter? Just this morning, Trump used his Twitter to communicate his thoughts on the FAKE NEWS media with the American people.

So, they respect the press but still plan to play offensively against it,claiming theyre actually on defense.

[image via screengrab]

Lindsey: Twitter. Facebook.

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Mike Pence: Trump and I Believe in a Free Press, 'But' - Mediaite

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump considered his options for a new national security adviser on Monday as his vice president, Mike Pence, said he had been disappointed by the actions of the man ousted from the job and supported his dismissal.

Trump asked for Michael Flynn's resignation on Feb. 13 after reports emerged that the retired lieutenant general misled Pence about having spoken to Russia's ambassador about U.S. sanctions before Trump's inauguration.

RELATED: Mike Pence at the Munich Security Conference

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Mike Pence at the Munich Security Conference

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U.S. Vice President Mike Pence gestures as he speaks at the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MCS) in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Pence sought to allay European concerns about the presidency of Donald Trump, using a speech in Munich to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to NATO and the European project. Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg via Getty Images

German Chancellor Angela Merkel poses for a picture with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence before their meeting at the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Michael Dalder

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 18: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US Vice President Mike Pence (L) arrive at the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MSC) at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany, on Februrary 18, 2017. The annual event brings together government representatives and security experts from across the globe. (Photo by Andreas Gebert/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

US Vice President Michael Richard Pence (R) and Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani meet for bilateral talks at the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MSC) at the Bayerischer Hof hotel in Munich, southern Germany, on February 18, 2017. / AFP / THOMAS KIENZLE (Photo credit should read THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP/Getty Images)

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 18: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US Vice President Mike Pence arrive at the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MSC) at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany, on Februrary 18, 2017. The annual event brings together government representatives and security experts from across the globe. (Photo by Andreas Gebert/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, speaks at the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MCS) in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Pence sought to allay European concerns about the presidency of Donald Trump, using a speech in Munich to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to NATO and the European project. Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg via Getty Images

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 18: US Vice President Mike Pence talks with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, at the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MSC) at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany, on Februrary 18, 2017. The annual event brings together government representatives and security experts from across the globe. (Photo by Andreas Gebert/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence walks with members of his delegation ahead of bilateral talks during the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Michael Dalder

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The ouster, coming so early in Trump's administration, was another upset in a White House that has been battered by miscues, including the controversial roll-out of a travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries, since the Republican president took office on Jan. 20.

"I was disappointed to learn that the facts that have been conveyed to me by General Flynn were inaccurate," Pence told reporters during a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Trump's call for Flynn to go "was the proper decision, it was handled properly and in a timely way," he said.

Trump, spending the weekend in West Palm Beach, Florida, interviewed four finalists to replace Flynn on Sunday and may meet with some of them again on Monday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters on Sunday.

RELATED: See the president at his recent Florida rally:

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President Trump holds rally in Florida

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U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump step from Air Force One to attend a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando-Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: People listen as President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump applauds his crowd as he holds a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: President Donald Trump kisses his wife Melania Trump during a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump smiles a as he holds a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

U.S. President Donald Trump invites a supporter onstage with him during a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: People attend a campaign rally for President Donald Trump at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump kisses his wife Melania during a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

A supporter awaits the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump for a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for a rally on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. / AFP / Nicholas Kamm (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: President Donald Trump and Melania Trump are seen during a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump step from Air Force One as they arrive for a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

U.S. President Donald Trump hugs a supporter he invited onstage to speak during a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump acknowledge supporters during a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

U.S. President Donald Trump invites a supporter onstage with him during a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando-Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during his "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledges supporters during a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

US President Donald Trump listens as his wife, First Lady Melania Trump recites the Lord's Prayer during a rally in Melbourne, Florida on February 18, 2017. / AFP / NICHOLAS KAMM (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: People attend a campaign rally for President Donald Trump at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump addresses a rally at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. / AFP / Gregg Newton (Photo credit should read GREGG NEWTON/AFP/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: President Donald Trump is seen during a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump addresses a rally at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. / AFP / NICHOLAS KAMM (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: A woman shows off her middle fingers as she and others look on at the media during a campaign rally by President Donald Trump at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: President Donald Trump kisses his wife Melania Trump during a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: President Donald Trump and Melania Trump are seen during a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: President Donald Trump and Melania Trump stand together during a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

First Lady Melania Trump salutes the crowd after introducing her husband, US President Donald Trump at the start of a rally at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. / AFP / Gregg Newton (Photo credit should read GREGG NEWTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Supporters of US President Donald Trump hold signs during a rally on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. / AFP / Nicholas Kamm (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Herb Planchock waits for the arrival of President Donald Trump for a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Ken Temple waits for the arrival of President Donald Trump for a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: People wait for the arrival of President Donald Trump for a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: People wait for the arrival of President Donald Trump for a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Gary Snow of Jacksonville, Florida, a supporter of US.President Donald Trump, stages a lone vigil against anti-government protesters during a rally at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017. / AFP / Gregg Newton / Gregg Newton (Photo credit should read GREGG NEWTON/AFP/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Billy Mauro waits for the arrival of President Donald Trump for a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Thousands of supporters of US President Donald Trump form a long queue for a rally at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017. / AFP / Gregg Newton / Gregg Newton (Photo credit should read GREGG NEWTON/AFP/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Robie Potts waits for the arrival of President Donald Trump for a campaign rally at the AeroMod International hangar at Orlando Melbourne International Airport on February 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida. President Trump is holding his rally as he continues to try to push his agenda through in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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Those interviewed were acting adviser Keith Kellogg, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster and Lieutenant General Robert Caslen.

During his Brussels trip, Pence assured the European Union that the Trump administration would develop the bloc's cooperation in trade and security and backed the EU as a partner in its own right, seeking to soothe anxiety prompted by Trump's remarks a month ago renewing his endorsement of Brexit and suggesting that others might follow Britain out of the EU.

At the news conference, Pence also defended Trump's repeated and strong criticisms of the news media. In a Twitter message on Saturday, Trump called the media "the enemy of the American people."

"The president and I both strongly support a free and independent press but you can anticipate that the president and all of us will continue to call out the media when they play fast and loose with the facts," Pence said.

Trump himself has been continually cited by various media for misstating facts. For instance, in his news conference last week Trump said his margin of victory in the Electoral College in November was the largest ever since fellow Republican Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980 and 1984.

In fact, however, Democratic President Barack Obama, in both of his victories, and Republican President George H.W. Bush drew more electoral votes than did Trump.

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Trump weighs security adviser options; Pence 'disappointed' by Flynn - AOL News

With the world looking for reassurance from President Donald Trumps administration about the United States role in international organizations and its place on the world stage, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said Sunday that U.S. allies feel better on that front after Vice President Mike Pences speech in Munich.

A lot of people over here believe its going back to 20s and 30s isolationism where America sort of retreats from the region, Graham said of the presidents America first rhetoric. Vice President Pences speech was terrific. Were going to be more involved in NATO, not less. Were going to have more troops supporting our friends in Europe against aggression by Russia, so I think they feel much better after hearing Vice President Pence and Mattis.

Graham, speaking to Face the Nation from Munich, was in Germany for the annual Munich Security Conference. On Saturday, Pence told the gathering of foreign leaders and security experts that the U.S. strongly supports NATO and will hold Russia accountable for its actions.

Graham said accountability for Russia should begin with strong sanctions, and also includes helping U.S. allies -- particularly in the Baltics -- to resist moves of aggression from Russia.

Hit Russia hard for trying to break the backbone of democracy and be more supportive of our friends, Graham said. Thats what Im -- thats what Im looking for.

Russia has become more aggressive toward the rest of the world since the U.S. election in November, Graham added.

Russia has interfered in every democracy in their backyard. Theyre coming after the French and the Germans, he said. They tried to interfere in our election even though they didnt change the outcome. The bottom line is it is now time to punish Russia for trying to break the backbone of democracy for interfering in our election and my goal is to put sanctions on Russia based on interfering in our election on President Trumps desk.

He criticized Mr. Trumps response to Russia, saying he has never shown any real willingness to condemn Russias election interference.

If we forgive and forget about what Russia did in our own election, well invite aggression in the next election by Chinese and the Iranians, he said. It was Democrats this time. It could be Republicans next time.

One month into the Trump presidency, Graham said the administration has done some good things -- like approving the Keystone XL pipeline -- and some things that did not go very well, like the rollout of the travel ban. But ultimately, Graham said, he is feeling better about the strong team Mr. Trump has surrounded himself with.

Heres what Im feeling better about: the people around President Trump. His Cabinet is terrific in terms of quality: Mattis, Tillerson, General Kelly, he said. We need to get a good national security advisor. Reince Priebus, Ive known him for years, he has a good relationship with the Hill. So hes got a good team around him, they have stumbled. But lets just wait and see what this year holds.

Graham also criticized Mr. Trump for calling the media enemies of the American people, but said the media overplays its hand when it comes to covering the Trump White House.

The backbone of democracy is a free press and and independent judiciary and theyre worth fighting and dying for, he said.

But I would say this to the American press corps: When it comes to Trump, youre over the top, he continued. Youre acting more like an opposition party. Every president has had problems with the press. You need to do your job but from a Republican point of view, I think the coverage against President Trump has been almost to the point of being hysterical.

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Lindsey Graham: US allies feel better after Mike Pence reassurances in Munich - CBS News

MIKE PENCE. On Michael Flynn: I was disappointed to learn that the facts that had been conveyed to me by General Flynn were inaccurate.

"I was disappointed to learn that the facts conveyed to me by Gen. Flynn were inaccurate," VP Pence says at presser with Nato Secy General pic.twitter.com/ex9RrGh5BU

CBS News (@CBSNews) February 20, 2017

RUSSIA. Psychological dossier on Trump compiled for first meeting with Putin. Very serious preparatory work is going on in the Kremlin, including a paper seven pages describing a psychological portrait of Trump, especially based on this last two to three months, and the last weeks.

NEW MEXICO. Senate approvesgay conversion therapy ban. The Senate approved the bill 32-6 Thursday, after several Republican senators questioned whether it would target religious teachings. Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, the sponsor of Senate Bill 121 and the first openly gay man to be elected to the Senate, insisted it would not, saying it would merely make it illegal to be paid for providing conversion therapy to someone under 18 years old.

UBER. A shocking account about the companys treatment of women.

CHINA. Trump proposes including Chinese visitors in social media checks: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are proposing to ask Chinese visitors to disclose their social media handles or other identifiers on common social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The question would be asked online as part of an electronic system Chinese holders of long-term U.S. business and visitor visas use to advise of upcoming travel.

I AM A HUMAN BEING. A gay Syrian refugees message to Donald Trump.

EDWARD WILLIAM. Tom Daley had an 18-month affair with a male model, according to a British tabloid.

Wavey

A post shared by Edward William (@edwardwilliamb) on Nov 9, 2016 at 5:46am PST

RECORDS. Lady Gagas halftime show was the most-watched musical event of all time across all platforms: Between YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Giphy, the show was an absolute hit. The Halftime Show is the most-watched video on the NFLs YouTube channel with more than 24 million views. There were 2.2 million real-time tweets about the show, and 49 million Facebook video views. The GIFs from the performance generated 75 million views on Giphy.

GOD LOOKED AWAY. But not from Garrett Clayton in his undies.

TWINKLE TWINKLE. Madonna shares video of adopted twins.

TWIN PEAKS. A new teaser for the reboot launching in May.

REBIRTH. Woolly mammoth on the verge of resurrection, according to scientists: Speaking ahead of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Boston this week, the scientist leading the de-extinction effort said the Harvard team is just two years away from creating a hybrid embryo, in which mammoth traits would be programmed into an Asian elephant.

SPACEX. The Falcon 9 first stage landing.

SOUTH AFRICA. Two professors suspended for refusing to teach gay student:I was wearing skinny jeans and it was the first day I came to school with braids. They asked me why I was wearing girls clothes and doing my hair like a girl. They said I had come all the way from Pietermaritzburg to embarrass my parents by pretending to be a girl.

NEW TUNE OF THE DAY. Lana Del Reys Love.

CHAINED TO THE RHYTHM. But unfortunatelynot chained to the melody.

MONDAY MAN. Royal Ballet soloist Marcelino Samb.

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Katy Perry, China, Woolly Mammoth, South Africa, Mike Pence, Uber, Lana del Rey, Twin Peaks: HOT LINKS - Towleroad

President Trump announced Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser on Monday.

Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

On Monday, Donald Trump chose Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser, less than a week after Michael Flynn was forced out of the position. McMaster is known as one of the Armys top strategists and intellectuals and has become as famous for critiquing military strategy and bureaucratic thinking as for leading troops in battle. In short, he may not appear to be a very Trumpian choice, which makes him an especially intriguing one.

Isaac Chotiner is a Slate staff writer.

To discuss McMaster, I spoke by phone with Andrew Exum, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East in the Obama administration and a contributing editor at the Atlantic, who has known the lieutenant general for more than a decade. During the course of a conversation, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, we discussed McMasters ideas on warfare, why Trump made the choice he did, and the importance of giving the president honest advice.

Isaac Chotiner: You tweeted on Monday that it was not an exaggeration to say that the world should feel a little safer today. Why is that?

Andrew Exum: I just cannot say enough good things about H.R. McMaster. It sounds like hyperbole when you start to describe the man. He is one of the most talented officers the United States Army has ever produced. He has distinguished himself in two very different conflicts at two different levels of command. In the first Gulf War he led a troop of armored cavalry, and in Tal Afar in 2005 he led a brigade. He was arguably the most outstanding company commander in the First Gulf War and the most outstanding brigade commander in the Iraq war that followed. In between, of course, he received a Ph.D. in military history from the University of North Carolina. His dissertation became a best-selling book, Dereliction of Duty, which I very cleverly only read about two months ago.

That book was about the way the military dealt with the Johnson administration during Vietnam, yes? What was the general thesis?

Yeah. It was scathing in the way it discussed the Joint Chiefs and the way in which they provided advice to the president. But what I keep going back to when thinking about the book is the criticism of the national security decision-making process in both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. The reason I am thinking of this is because, as a friend of mine pointed out, this decision of Trumps is like bringing in Ben Bernanke to be the head of the Federal Reserve right before the Great Recession. H.R. McMaster very carefully and often caustically studied the national security decision-making process, and now he is responsible for that process. Hes a real intellectual.

He was also influential in shaping David Petraeus strategy into how to wage war in Iraq. What was his large idea there?

H.R. has this line, and I think he is quoting someone, about war being the ultimate arbiter of fighting institutions. His point is that you can go in with these great theories about how war is meant to be fought, but its really in combat that you find out how good the institutions you built are. H.R. was one of a group of commanders who came into the Iraq conflict and saw that the army we had trained was not up to the task. And to his credit, he did things differently in Tal Afar. H.R. was someone who, in an isolated area with Tal Afar, which has some of the most complex demography in Iraq, was able to wage a successful counterinsurgency operation, at least for a while, because when his unit left it was replaced by a smaller unit.

A lot of what H.R. gets credit for is all the stuff about listening to the population and trying to isolate the grievances and see what is driving the conflict. But quite frankly you should also not understate the clear part of what he did, in terms of clear, hold, and build. He put a berm around the city itself and fought like hell. He got as many civilians out as possible and then fought a very hard battle to seize Tal Afar and then to hold it. But the way in which he did it was somewhat revolutionary. It was a very patient approach to pacification and rooting out the enemy, and doing so in a way that alienated as few Iraqis as possible.

The portrait you are painting is not obviously a picture of someone Trump would like. What do you think Trump might see in him?

H.R. does not, when you talk to him, come across as an egghead intellectual. He is a big, bullish man, who takes up a lot of space in the room and has a very powerful personality. He projects strength personally, which is probably one of the reasons he is so admired and beloved by the troops who served under his command. Knowing the president, I could see him liking that.

In addition, I have little doubt that many of the people [Trump] was speaking to, including Petraeus, no doubt had very good things to say about McMaster. He is a known quantity. If you were to take the pulse of a dozen national security leaders of both parties and asked them to come up with a list of the five smartest officers in the military, H.R. would be on the list.

Without asking you to reveal private conversations, you arent describing someone who would seem to like Donald Trump. Is this just a job you cant say no to? Do you think they might have something in common ideologically that you arent aware of?

They could. I have never had an overly ideological or political conversation with H.R. McMaster. He has never struck me as a man who has the type of pungently ideological views of a Steve Bannon. But bear in mind that he is a three-star general who has been asked to do one of the most difficult tasks in the United States government. I can imagine that it is very difficult for him to turn down this job. If anything, given his academic research, and how deeply he cares about this country, and given the oath he has sworn, I couldnt imagine he would have ever said no.

How far do you think this will go toward placating people in the national security bureaucracy who are warring with the new administration?

I think its too early to tell. There are a lot of things driving the animosity between Trump and the bureaucracy. One of those things is that you had a national security adviser who was not necessarily listening to his staff and was a bit overwhelmed with the job, based on folks with whom I have spoken. But the other thing is that this is still very early days in the administration, which has fallen behind the pace in terms of putting their appointments in to Defense and State, and as a result, the folks on the National Security Council are understandably worried and dont really have leadership. I think the animosity that you are seeing will start to recede once some Trump administration officials come into the departments and agencies and people see that most of them are reasonable. I personally saw the temperature at the Department of Defense go way down after Jim Mattis was made the secretary.

OK, but he is one of the few sane people Trump has put in though.

I dont think that is true. I think that Tillerson, quite frankly, has the potential to be an excellent secretary of state and has the potential to provide the type of management for the organization that you were never going to get from a John Kerry, for example. And I also think that even when you scratch off all those people who said they would never work in a Trump administration, I think that this administration can still find a lot of talented people to serve at the deputy-assistant and assistant-secretary levels. There is talent out there, and I dont just mean smart people, but people who can be good managers. But well see. The loyalty test this administration is applying is a bit worrisome, to say the least.

I think for a lot of people this was particularly soothing, because as much as people respect Mattis, this guy will be in the building with Trump every day.

Thats right, and maybe I have too much faith in him, but frankly McMaster has staked so much of his intellectual credentials on the need to deliver blunt and honest advice to the president that it would be ironic and sad if he himself didnt do that, but I think he will. It is no exaggeration to say that I will sleep better tonight.

Or sleep better for at least two months, which is how long he will last giving honest advice to this president.

Well thats right. One of the great things is that we do have some leaders in place, not just Mattis and McMaster but the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, who are real men of integrity. If things get too bad, I cant imagine them having too much patience, although it is always tempting to convince yourself that, Oh, I can do something great and stay on past the time you should have resigned. But I have great faith in him.

Thank you, Andrew. Hopefully humanity will now survive long enough for us to do this again.

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The Intellectual Who Might Get Through to Donald Trump - Slate Magazine