Mike Pompeo’s chances to become the next Secretary of State are looking a little less likely. Today was the first day of his confirmation hearing and so far it is not going well. Senators wanted to know, according to the Washington Post, “how he would restrain President Trump from acting impulsively on the global stage.” Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) asked: “Will you stand up to President Trump and say, ‘No, you are wrong in that view?’ Or will you be a yes man?”
Pompeo likely does NOT have votes to get favorable recommendation from committee: Kaine, one of two Ds on panel to vote for Pompeo as CIA director, just told me that he has “serious doubts” about Pompeo nomination. Shaheen, who voted for him to CIA, also has concerns as does Paul
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) April 12, 2018
A spokesman for @RandPaul confirms he remains opposed to Mike Pompeo, this time for his nomination to Secretary of State. He also voted against his confirmation as CIA director.
— Ali Rogin (@AliABCNews) April 12, 2018
Another issue is Pompeo’s recollection of his meetings with Donald Trump on Russia.
Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo claims he cannot recall whether President Trump pressured him to interfere in the Russia investigation. pic.twitter.com/F1pnbZCzFv
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) April 12, 2018
But the day was also dominated by an exchange between Pompeo and Senator Cory Booker.
Watch Cory Booker grill Mike Pompeo: "Is being a gay a perversion?"
Pompeo does NOT like being put on the spot. pic.twitter.com/yD0fs8LZ76— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) April 12, 2018
Pompeo tells Cory Booker he continues to believe that gay people should not be allowed to get married
— Jessica Schulberg (@jessicaschulb) April 12, 2018