Trump applauds Cabinet nominees who 'express their own thoughts, not mine'

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published 13 January 2017

President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his support for his Cabinet nominees Friday morning, after several of his picks contradicted him on key policy issues during confirmation hearings this week:

Secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson and defense secretary nominee James Mattis were more critical of Russia and its intentions than Trump has been. Mike Pompeo, Trump's pick for CIA director, expressed his opposition to waterboarding, a form of torture that Trump has suggested bringing back. Homeland security secretary nominee John Kelly expressed doubts that Trump's proposed border wall would "do the job."

The contradictions likely aren't over yet. Education secretary nominee Betsy DeVos is slated to testify Tuesday, as is Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), Trump's pick for interior secretary. On Wednesday, both Scott Pruitt, nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency, and Wilbur Ross, tapped to be commerce secretary, will have their confirmation hearings. Energy secretary nominee Rick Perry is up Thursday.