Sen. Chris Coons said Monday members of President Trump’s Cabinet should question “whether their reputation will survive” following the sudden resignation of former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.
“It’s striking how many of the secretaries of the largest departments of this government are acting at this point. Kirstjen Nielsen will be known for implementing a cruel policy of forcibly separating parents and children rather than strengthing our border or strengthening our security as a country,” the Delaware Democrat said on CNN’s “New Day” show.
“It frankly has to raise the question for anyone who is offered a Cabinet opportunity with President Trump whether their reputation will survive,” he continued.
Mr. Coons said the president is “asking for the department to do things that violate the law.”
“He’s more and more pressing for actions at the border that don’t respect our treaty obligations, our domestic statutes on how we treat people seeking asylum,” Mr. Coons said.
Ms. Nielsen submitted her resignation to the White House Sunday, blaming Congress for no longer listening to her advocate for Mr. Trump’s agenda.
“I hope the next secretary will have the support of Congress and the courts in fixing the laws which have impeded our ability to fully secure Americans borders and which have contributed to discord in our nation’s discourse,” she wrote.
• Bailey Vogt can be reached at bvogt@washingtontimes.com.
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