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At Hearings, Not All Nominees in Lock Step With Trump At Hearings, Not All Nominees in Lock Step With Trump
(35 minutes later)
■ A third day of confirmation hearings is starting on Capitol Hill, with one emerging theme: Many of the nominees of President-elect Donald J. Trump have serious disagreements with him on policy.■ A third day of confirmation hearings is starting on Capitol Hill, with one emerging theme: Many of the nominees of President-elect Donald J. Trump have serious disagreements with him on policy.
■ Mr. Trump’s pick for defense secretary, James N. Mattis, the retired general, emphasized strong support for NATO this morning. Fun fact: he doesn’t like the nickname “Mad Dog.” ■ The Senate Armed Services Committee voted, 24 to 3, to approve the nomination of James N. Mattis, a retired general, to be defense secretary. Fun fact: he doesn’t care for the nickname “Mad Dog.”
■ Ben Carson, the choice for housing secretary, said he would take a “holistic” approach.■ Ben Carson, the choice for housing secretary, said he would take a “holistic” approach.
■ Representative Mike Pompeo, the pick to run the C.I.A., outlined a “global threat environment.” ■ Representative Mike Pompeo, the pick to run the C.I.A., took a firm stance against torture.
Mr. Mattis put space between himself and Mr. Trump, who has embraced a friendlier relationship with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin.Mr. Mattis put space between himself and Mr. Trump, who has embraced a friendlier relationship with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin.
Mr. Putin, Mr. Mattis said, “is trying to break the North Atlantic alliance,” in a reference to NATO. He said the United States and its NATO allies must take necessary steps to strengthen the alliance.Mr. Putin, Mr. Mattis said, “is trying to break the North Atlantic alliance,” in a reference to NATO. He said the United States and its NATO allies must take necessary steps to strengthen the alliance.
Mr. Trump said during the campaign could see American military support conditional on whether NATO states have met their financial obligations to the bloc.Mr. Trump said during the campaign could see American military support conditional on whether NATO states have met their financial obligations to the bloc.
“My view is that nations with allies thrive, and nations without allies don’t,” Mr. Mattis said.“My view is that nations with allies thrive, and nations without allies don’t,” Mr. Mattis said.
Mr. Mattis also staked out a different position from his would-be boss on the prospects for Russian and American cooperation in Syria. While Mr. Trump has said a number of times that Russia is killing Islamic State militants in Syria, and that the United States should better coordinate with the Russians there, Mr. Mattis, given the opportunity, was having none of it.Mr. Mattis also staked out a different position from his would-be boss on the prospects for Russian and American cooperation in Syria. While Mr. Trump has said a number of times that Russia is killing Islamic State militants in Syria, and that the United States should better coordinate with the Russians there, Mr. Mattis, given the opportunity, was having none of it.
“I’m all for engagement,” he said, “but we also have to recognize reality in terms of what Russia is up to.”“I’m all for engagement,” he said, “but we also have to recognize reality in terms of what Russia is up to.”
Pressed about whether Mr. Trump’s statements about NATO concerned him, Mr. Mattis said: “I have had discussions with him on this issue.” He added, “He understands where I stand.”Pressed about whether Mr. Trump’s statements about NATO concerned him, Mr. Mattis said: “I have had discussions with him on this issue.” He added, “He understands where I stand.”
The testiest exchange so far came courtesy of Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, Democrat of New York. Ms. Gillibrand, who supports opening all combat positions in the military to women, gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender individuals, has said that she opposes granting a congressional waiver required for Mr. Mattis to become defense secretary. The testiest exchange came courtesy of Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, Democrat of New York. Ms. Gillibrand, who supports opening all combat positions in the military to women, gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender Americans, has said that she opposes granting a congressional waiver required for Mr. Mattis to become defense secretary.
On Thursday, she sought to get a commitment from Mr. Mattis that he would not try to roll back the Defense Department’s decisions to open combat positions to women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.On Thursday, she sought to get a commitment from Mr. Mattis that he would not try to roll back the Defense Department’s decisions to open combat positions to women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Mr. Mattis didn’t give her the wholesale promise she sought. He said military readiness and having the most lethal fighting force would be his priority.Mr. Mattis didn’t give her the wholesale promise she sought. He said military readiness and having the most lethal fighting force would be his priority.
But, he added that “unless a service chief” comes to him with a problem, he has no plans to undo policies that have been in place. He also said, “I’ve never cared much about two consenting adults and who they go to bed with.” But, he added that “unless a service chief” came to him with a problem, he had no plans to undo policies that have been in place. He also said, “I’ve never cared much about two consenting adults and who they go to bed with.”
In an exchange with Senator Martin Heinrich, Democrat of New Mexico, Mr. Mattis blamed the media for giving him the nickname Mad Dog, claiming it is a misnomer, though Mr. Trump seems to use it at every opportunity.In an exchange with Senator Martin Heinrich, Democrat of New Mexico, Mr. Mattis blamed the media for giving him the nickname Mad Dog, claiming it is a misnomer, though Mr. Trump seems to use it at every opportunity.
The committee voted 24 to 3 in favor of granting a congressional waiver so that Mr. Mattis could serve. Because Mr. Mattis left active duty in 2013, less than the federally mandated seven-year waiting period, he needs a waiver to become defense secretary. The committee also voted, 24 to 3, to grant a congressional waiver so that Mr. Mattis could serve. Because Mr. Mattis left active duty in 2013, less than the federally mandated seven-year waiting period, he had to have the waiver to become defense secretary.
The committee vote came at the end of a largely friendly confirmation hearing. The House Armed Services Committee is expected to take up the waiver question Thursday afternoon. The committee vote came at the end of a largely friendly confirmation hearing. The House Armed Services Committee is expected to take up the waiver question on Thursday afternoon.
Three Democratic senators opposed the waiver: Ms. Gillibrand of New York; Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. Three Democratic senators opposed the waiver: Ms. Gillibrand; Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
They were the only three to vote against Mr. Mattis nomination in the committee, which easily passed, 24-3.
Mr. Carson used his opening statement to highlight his biography, speaking of life in an impoverished section of Detroit as the son of a single mother with a third-grade education.Mr. Carson used his opening statement to highlight his biography, speaking of life in an impoverished section of Detroit as the son of a single mother with a third-grade education.
But Mr. Carson held close to the conservative orthodoxy that has defined his political life, saying that while efficient public assistance is acceptable, he fears the specter of “generation after generation of people living in dependent situations.”But Mr. Carson held close to the conservative orthodoxy that has defined his political life, saying that while efficient public assistance is acceptable, he fears the specter of “generation after generation of people living in dependent situations.”
After quoting past remarks from Mr. Carson suggesting that poverty was “more of a choice” than anything else, Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, asked if he truly believed in the HUD’s mission. After quoting Mr. Carson’s previous remarks suggesting that poverty was “more of a choice” than anything else, Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, asked if he truly believed in HUD’s mission.
“I think the rental assistance program is essential,” Mr. Carson said, when pressed twice, “and what I have said if you’ve been reading my writings: It is cruel and unusual punishment to withdraw those programs before you provide an alternative.”“I think the rental assistance program is essential,” Mr. Carson said, when pressed twice, “and what I have said if you’ve been reading my writings: It is cruel and unusual punishment to withdraw those programs before you provide an alternative.”
Earlier, when asked about housing protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, Mr. Carson, a retired doctor and a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, said he would “enforce all the laws of the land” if confirmed. But he expressed his personal opposition to any expression of what he called “extra rights” for certain groups.Earlier, when asked about housing protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, Mr. Carson, a retired doctor and a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, said he would “enforce all the laws of the land” if confirmed. But he expressed his personal opposition to any expression of what he called “extra rights” for certain groups.
Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, pointedly called into question Mr. Carson’s views and said that it would be unfair to think others could easily accomplish the same things as Mr. Carson.
“Much as we might wish otherwise, many children won’t have the same combination of fortitude, a firm hand, and good fortune that allowed Dr. Carson to rise to the highest level of medicine and our society,” he said. “For those who cannot overcome the odds on their own, should we help them or not? Dr. Carson has repeatedly commented that government assistance programs are harmful.”
While questioning Mr. Carson, Senator Warren spent several minutes criticizing Mr. Trump and the potential conflicts of interests that may arise from his businesses.While questioning Mr. Carson, Senator Warren spent several minutes criticizing Mr. Trump and the potential conflicts of interests that may arise from his businesses.
“Can you assure me that not a single taxpayer dollar that you give out will financially benefit the president-elect or his family?” she asked.“Can you assure me that not a single taxpayer dollar that you give out will financially benefit the president-elect or his family?” she asked.
As he began to say that he was driven by morals and values, Ms. Warren interrupted and said her concern was specifically about whether the billions of dollars Mr. Carson will be giving out in grants and loans could specifically benefit Mr. Trump. As Mr. Carson began to say that he was driven by morals and values, Ms. Warren interrupted and said her concern was specifically about whether the billions of dollars Mr. Carson’s department would be giving out in grants and loans could specifically benefit Mr. Trump.
“It will not be my intention to do anything to benefit any American,” Mr. Carson said, becoming a bit flustered before quickly clarifying that he wanted to use the department to help “all Americans.”“It will not be my intention to do anything to benefit any American,” Mr. Carson said, becoming a bit flustered before quickly clarifying that he wanted to use the department to help “all Americans.”
Ms. Warren pressed on by insisting that Mr. Trump needed to establish a blind trust and by accusing Mr. Trump of “hiding” his assets.Ms. Warren pressed on by insisting that Mr. Trump needed to establish a blind trust and by accusing Mr. Trump of “hiding” his assets.
However, Mr. Carson would not say that he would completely avoid Trump businesses if confirmed. “If there happens to be an extraordinarily good program that’s working for millions of people and it turns out that someone that you’re targeting is going to gain $10 from it, am I going to say no?” Mr. Carson said. “I think logic and common sense probably will probably be the best way.” However, Mr. Carson would not say that he would completely avoid Mr. Trump’s businesses if confirmed. “If there happens to be an extraordinarily good program that’s working for millions of people and it turns out that someone that you’re targeting is going to gain $10 from it, am I going to say no?” Mr. Carson said. “I think logic and common sense probably will probably be the best way.”
Mr. Pompeo’s views on torture, and how they square with Mr. Trump’s, were quickly addressed.Mr. Pompeo’s views on torture, and how they square with Mr. Trump’s, were quickly addressed.
Mr. Pompeo has made statements indicating that he did not believe waterboarding was torture, and that it was legal.Mr. Pompeo has made statements indicating that he did not believe waterboarding was torture, and that it was legal.
But President Obama issued an executive order banning the harshest of techniques and Congress enacted a law in 2015 that allows American interrogators to use only techniques authorized in the Army Field Manual. That list does not include coercive methods such as waterboarding.But President Obama issued an executive order banning the harshest of techniques and Congress enacted a law in 2015 that allows American interrogators to use only techniques authorized in the Army Field Manual. That list does not include coercive methods such as waterboarding.
So the question on the minds of many was whether Mr. Pompeo would support torturing people?So the question on the minds of many was whether Mr. Pompeo would support torturing people?
Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, asked Mr. Pompeo if he would allow the use of interrogation techniques not outlined in the Army manual if ordered to do so by Mr. Trump.Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, asked Mr. Pompeo if he would allow the use of interrogation techniques not outlined in the Army manual if ordered to do so by Mr. Trump.
Mr. Pompeo answered unequivocally: He made clear he would “always comply with the law.” He said there were limitations on what the C.I.A. could do and any changes in the law prohibiting torture would require an act by Congress.Mr. Pompeo answered unequivocally: He made clear he would “always comply with the law.” He said there were limitations on what the C.I.A. could do and any changes in the law prohibiting torture would require an act by Congress.
Mr. Pompeo told another senator that the C.I.A. was out of the enhanced interrogation business.Mr. Pompeo told another senator that the C.I.A. was out of the enhanced interrogation business.
A crucial question hovering over the intelligence community in recent weeks is whether Mr. Trump would halt or seek to limit inquiries into Russian hacking and other issues that he has openly derided as a politically motivated smears.A crucial question hovering over the intelligence community in recent weeks is whether Mr. Trump would halt or seek to limit inquiries into Russian hacking and other issues that he has openly derided as a politically motivated smears.
The questions have taken on greater urgency after the disclosure this week that intelligence agencies are looking into a dossier of unsubstantiated reports that Russia has collected compromising personal information about Mr. Trump.The questions have taken on greater urgency after the disclosure this week that intelligence agencies are looking into a dossier of unsubstantiated reports that Russia has collected compromising personal information about Mr. Trump.
Mr. Pompeo appeared to put those concerns to rest on Thursday when asked if the C.I.A., under his leadership, would continue to pursue intelligence on Russian hacking and links, if any, between the Trump campaign the Russian government.Mr. Pompeo appeared to put those concerns to rest on Thursday when asked if the C.I.A., under his leadership, would continue to pursue intelligence on Russian hacking and links, if any, between the Trump campaign the Russian government.
“I promise I will pursue the facts wherever they take us,” Mr. Pompeo said, “with regard to this issue and each and every issue.”“I promise I will pursue the facts wherever they take us,” Mr. Pompeo said, “with regard to this issue and each and every issue.”
But in response the same question, he also sounded a note that was very likely to please Mr. Trump’s aides, saying that the “leaks that have occurred as well, which I consider to be intensely serious.”But in response the same question, he also sounded a note that was very likely to please Mr. Trump’s aides, saying that the “leaks that have occurred as well, which I consider to be intensely serious.”