(CNN) – Leading Republican senators fired the current FBI director on Monday, leaving the door open to Pete Hegseth, who faces a series of misconduct allegations, as president, calling back to flame brand supporters. hinted support for Donald Trump’s plan to endorse Kash Patel. It is chosen by the electors who run the Department of Defense.
Sen. Joni Ernst, a member of the Armed Services Committee and considered a key swing vote, gave a positive review of her meeting with Mr. Hegseth at the Capitol on Monday.
Ernst said his conversation with the veteran and former Fox News host was “encouraging” and that he was “committed to completing a full audit of the Department of Defense and selecting senior officials who will protect the roles and values of service members and military personnel.” I tried my best,” he said. — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. ”
The statement comes after Mr. Hegseth’s nomination appeared to be in serious jeopardy last week over a 2017 sexual assault allegation, with even Mr. Trump’s allies in Congress expressing concern. It shows progress has been made in trying to gain support from senators.
But Mr. Trump continues to support Mr. Hegseth, posing a challenge for Republican senators who may oppose the nomination. The Trump administration’s selection process for cabinet nominees is still in its early stages, with confirmation votes not taking place until next year. But it’s clear that Republican senators are choosing their battles carefully and being cautious in how they approach selecting the next president.
Hegseth denies any wrongdoing and has strongly pushed back against the allegations against him, calling them baseless attacks. He told CNN on Monday that he had a “very good meeting” with Ernst.
Still, Ernst declined to say to CNN whether he was confident in Hegseth’s denial of the allegations. “Let me refer to the statement again,” she said. Ernst added that it was “undecided” whether he would meet with Hegseth again.
So far, Senate Republicans appear to be on board with President Trump’s nomination of Patel to head the FBI.
Putting Patel in charge of the FBI would require firing the current director, Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump, before the end of his term, and replacing a self-proclaimed enemy of the so-called deep state with the head of the nation’s highest law. It will be set at Executive agency.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said on Monday that he would support Patel as FBI director, and after meeting with Patel at the Capitol, Ernst said Trump’s pick made him a “coveted” FBI director. “It will create transparency that was previously known.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley (Iowa), the incoming chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a scathing letter to Wray and his chief of staff on Monday, saying he has “no confidence” in the department’s current leadership. Ta.
Mr. Cornyn said he did not know what Mr. Wray’s plan was, but he expected it to be approved by Mr. Patel.
“I believe Mr. Patel will be confirmed as the next FBI Director. We have discussed the importance of restoring the FBI’s reputation as a bipartisan law enforcement investigation agency,” the Texas Republican said. .
“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’m certainly willing to support him,” Cornyn said after the meeting.
Asked whether he thought Mr. Wray should resign or wait to be fired, Mr. Cornyn said: That’s up to President Trump and Coach Wray. ”
Asked about Patel’s history of controversial statements, Cornyn said: “I interpret that as an exaggeration, but I think he would say the same thing.”
Patel has been a vocal critic of the FBI, calling in a September podcast interview for the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. to be demolished and turned into a “museum of the deep state.”
In his 2023 book, “Government Gangsters: The Deep State, Truth, and the Fight for Democracy,” Patel accused President Trump of “crazy partisans” who have taken over “law enforcement.” denounced.
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