Even Democrats were shocked when Christopher Wray and Alejandro Mayorkas refused to appear for a routine annual review of national security matters before the Senate. 

Democratic Senator Gary Peters called the snub "shocking."

Secretary Mayorkas and Director Wray's refusal to speak publicly about their departments' efforts to address the threats our nation faces robs Americans of critical information.

The American people deserve transparency and accountability on these issues. pic.twitter.com/JCZ1KvdUUW

— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) November 21, 2024

So much for respecting the norms, guys. Democracy Dies in Darkness, as I recall. 

The excuse from Wray and Mayorkas is, well, unconvincing, and amounts to "we talk to Congress too much already" and the people don't have a right to know anything anyway. 

Top members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee rebuked DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray for skipping an end-of-year public hearing on Thursday.

Committee Chairman Gary Peters said Mayorkas and Wray's refusal to appear is a "shocking departure" from the 15-year tradition of holding the annual hearing on worldwide threats. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the FBI argued that Wray and other officials have already "testified extensively" in public about threats facing the U.S., and that the bureau "has repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to responding to Congressional oversight and being transparent with the American people."

"FBI leaders…believe the Committee would benefit most from further substantive discussions and additional information that can only be provided in a classified setting," the FBI said in a statement.

A DHS spokesperson offered a similar explanation when contacted by Fox Digital, noting that the DHS would prefer a classified briefing saying saying Mayorkas has "testified 30 times during his tenure."

The level of contempt the current crowd--especially those in the national security/intelligence space--have for the American people, the political system, the Constitution, and the future of America as a sovereign nation is unlimited. Both men know that they are on the way out and are snubbing their noses at the American people. 

Hawley says Mayorkas, Wray 'absolutely' skipped Senate hearing due to Laken Riley verdict, calls for subpoenas https://t.co/NtAMLj3q3H

— JD Trulove (@JdTrulove) November 21, 2024

Steve Bannon went to jail for this. So should they. Subpoena them and toss them in jail. 

We all know why they are refusing to show up--they have a lot to answer for, and they don't want to face the music. But, as the example of Steve Bannon shows, if there is a will Congress can force them to do it, and no position in the Executive Branch will protect them if the Republicans have the stones to go to war. 

I am pretty sure most Republicans wouldn't. As Chuck Schumer noted, the Deep State has ways to get you. 

Secretary Mayorkas and Director Wray’s refusal to testify publicly today in the Senate is an outrage - and a brazen attempt to avoid oversight for the political abuses at FEMA, the FBI and more. I look forward to Director Wray’s resignation

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) November 21, 2024

Republicans have to hold these men and other abusers of power accountable, and not just for revenge or justice. It is vital that bad actors in the Deep State fear that they will be harshly punished for abuses of power, as hasn't been the case in at least decades. 

'A Serious Blow to Trust in Our Government': Dem Chair Rebukes Mayorkas, Wray for Skipping Senate Homeland Security Hearinghttps://t.co/hiAwxu9CNi

— Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) November 21, 2024

Ironically, this is a gift to Trump, as it demonstrates one of his arguments: that the administrative state has become an unaccountable 4th branch of government that needs to be reined in. When even Democrats are outraged, it provides an opportunity to peel off a few to help in the effort, or at least temper their opposition. 

It also bolsters Trump's credibility with the public. 

Neither Wray nor Mayorkas is an honest actor, and each has done great damage to the nation. I would shed no tears if they both wound up in jail, although that seems unlikely. 

People who spent years going after Trump and other Republicans with hypocritical claims that "nobody is above the law" should face its full wrath now.