Top Mattis Aide Under Scrutiny for Allegedly Misusing Subordinates: Report

Dana White, a top civilian aide to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, has reportedly come under investigation by the Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General for allegedly making subordinates run personal errands.

The allegations against White, who was traveling with Mattis in South America, were first reported Tuesday by CNN.

White allegedly had subordinates make food, coffee and drycleaning runs and also used them to help with her personal finances. When two of them complained, they were transferred to other positions, CNN reported.

The IG’s office declined comment. In addition, Charles Summers, the principal deputy assistant to Mattis for public affairs, told CNN that "This is an ongoing review about which we cannot comment."

Earlier in Mattis’ tenure as Defense Secretary, White would hold press briefings nearly every week on Thursdays, usually accompanied by Marine Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, director of the Pentagon’s Joint Staff. She has not held a press briefing since late May.

White formerly was a policy aide to Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and also formerly worked as director of communications for the Renault-Nissan Alliance in France.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.