Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana defended his decision to publicly air grievances regarding management at the Department of Homeland Security on Friday, signaling that internal friction at the agency has become a significant liability for the Republican Party.
During an appearance on “The Will Cain Show,” Kennedy explained that his choice to speak out—while other senators remained quiet—stems from a personal refusal to follow the status quo in Washington.
“I can’t speak for them,” Kennedy said when asked why his colleagues hadn’t joined him in his public critique. “I play outside the pocket. I will never completely fit in, which I consider to be one of my best qualities. I’m very frank. Sometimes, some people might think, to a fault. I have the right to remain silent, not the ability.”
The senator’s comments come on the heels of a tense Tuesday Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where he confronted departing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The focus of that inquiry was a $220 million nationwide television promotion effort.
Reports surfaced that the advertising contracts were awarded to firms with ties to Noem and her associates without a competitive bidding process.
Kennedy stated that these managerial controversies have compromised the effectiveness of the department and shifted the political landscape. He noted that the White House has been aware of these issues for some time.
“At the department, we’re distracting from our agenda and the president’s agenda,” Kennedy told Cain. “Immigration used to be our strongest issue. It’s clearly not right now.”
Despite the sharp questioning during the hearing, Kennedy maintained that his stance was not an attack on the Secretary herself. “It’s not personal. I’m very fond of Kristi,” he said, while adding that the “problems and many more” would continue to be discussed.
The leadership at DHS is already in the midst of a transition. On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma will take over as Secretary of DHS starting March 31.
Noem will not be leaving the administration entirely; Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed she will transition into a role as a special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas,” a security initiative involving 13 countries.
READ: Trump: Iran Is ‘Being Beat To HELL,’ Vows Heavy Hits On ‘Loser Of The Middle East’
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