WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Three of President Donald Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks faced a series of questions on Thursday during their confirmation hearings.
FBI director nominee Kash Patel was grilled by Democrats who questioned his past comments about going after people who he said are part of the “deep state” and using the bureau to go after Trumo=p’s adversaries.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) asked Patel about a list of names he published in a book called “Government Gangsters.”
“It has been referred to as an enemies list, you’ve called them ‘Deep State,’” she said.
Patel said the book has not been characterized correctly.
“Senator, with all due respect, it’s not an enemies list. That is a total mischaracterization,” he said.
Former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard also faced a contentious confirmation hearing confirmation as senators consider whether or not to confirm her for the director of national intelligence role.
She was asked about her history of defending Edward Snowden, a former government contractor who leaked thousands of classified documents.
“Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America?” asked Sen. Michael Bennet, (D-CO).
“As someone who has worn uniform in combat. I understand how critical our national security is,” said Gabbard.
“Apparently you don’t,” said Sen. Bennet.
Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee Robert F Kennedy Jr. also faced more skepticism oh his second day of confirmation hearings. He was pressed about his past statements about vaccines including from some Republicans like Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA).
“Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me. Can I trust that that is now in the past? Can data and information change your opinion?” said the senator.
All of three of the nominees will need to be voted on at the committee level first then will go before the full Senate for a final vote. Each nominee needs a majority of the Senate to vote for them to be confirmed.
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