Senate Republicans and Democrats worried by Trump’s blase reaction to Russian interference in American interests are expected to pounce on any divisions by grilling his nominees on whether they agree with his efforts to cozy up to Vladimir Putin and excuse the Kremlin’s belligerent behavior. They’ll have plenty of material to work with, including recent comments by Defense secretary nominee Gen. James Mattis that Russia could be the United States’ “most dangerous” rival.
“I think you will see a number of the nominees try not to get pinned down” on the Russia issue, said one Trump transition aide involved in prepping nominees, who was not authorized to speak publicly. “They will try to focus on their credentials, rather than policy.”
The official sketched out a particular type of questioning that nominees are preparing for: “The president-elect said this, do you agree or disagree?”
“That is where the waters get a little choppier,” the official said. “It is a line of attack we are anticipating.”
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