Senator Hassan Questions Trump Nominees on Following Law vs. Presidential Directives

Concerns Over Trump Administration Actions

• ⚠️ Senator Hassan highlights the Trump administration's use of commercial text applications for discussing military attacks, putting troops at risk.
• 💡 She criticizes the administration's refusal to acknowledge the risks and the use of personal email accounts for government business.
• 📉 The arbitrary firings of federal employees are causing significant harm to constituents, citing the closure of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) despite appropriated funds.

Nominee Accountability and Legal Compliance

• ⚖️ Hassan posed a direct question to nominees: If directed by the President to take an action that would break the law, would they follow the law or the President's directives?
• ✅ Nominees Cooper and Uland affirmed they would comply with all laws and the Constitution.
• ❓ Hassan expressed disappointment, noting the President has been violating the law on a regular basis.

Limits of Authority and Employee Rights

• 🎯 Regarding firing a VA employee for personal online posts, Mr. Cooper stated that OPM provides guidance but does not have the authority to conduct firings; agencies must do so themselves.
• 🗣️ Hassan questioned the appropriateness of firing employees based on political views, emphasizing the First Amendment's protection of free speech.

Inspector General Independence

• 🔍 Hassan inquired if nominees would commit to allowing the acting Inspector General at OPM to investigate matters without interference or retribution, specifically mentioning an investigation into potential improper access of sensitive information.
• 🔒 Nominees committed to doing everything required by law to ensure data privacy is protected and laws are followed.