President Donald Trump, who famously pledged to "fight fire with fire" because he believed torture "absolutely" works, said Wednesday that he was "a little surprised" when he found out his pick to run the Defense Department, retired Gen. James Mattis, was against using such tactics.

In an interview with ABC News' David Muir, Trump was asked, "The last president — President Obama — said the U.S. does not torture. Will you say that?"

Trump replied, "Well, I have a general who I have great respect for, Gen. Mattis, who said — I was a little surprised — who said he's not a believer in torture."