Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said it was “alarming” that some of President Trump's Pentagon recruits survived the vetting process.
McConnell has urged the Trump administration to “avoid” Pentagon advisers who “look strong by comparison” to their predecessors in the Biden and Obama administrations. Jewish Insider reported.
“Claim that U.S. interests in the Middle East are ‘minimal to non-existent,’ suggest that the U.S. should ‘withdraw militarily’ from the region, or even provide Israel with defense assistance against Iranian-backed terrorists. It's alarming that people are able to clear scrutiny after making claims that things are escalating,'' McConnell said in a statement to the outlet.
Jewish Insider reported that the comment comes as some Republicans believe that President Trump's Pentagon new hires have no right to do anything for the United States in the Middle East, even against its ally Israel. The announcement comes amid growing concerns that the government is also opposing military action.
“President Trump was strong and committed to standing with Israel and restoring peace,” said McConnell, a former Senate Minority Leader. “But the people staffing his Pentagon operations don't seem to have read the memo.”
McConnell emphasized comments from Michael Dimino, who was chosen to be deputy assistant secretary of defense for Middle East affairs, and Dan Caldwell, who is said to be a top adviser to Pete Hegseth, who was chosen to be secretary of defense.・Insider reported.
Trump, who took office earlier this week, signed a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas upon his re-election.
The Biden administration announced the deal as President Biden left office, and Trump blamed the regional peace deal on his electoral victory.
