WASHINGTON — Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker was the hot seat on Capitol Hill on Friday, facing questions from newly empowered Democrats who now lead the House Judiciary Committee.
- Whitaker refused to answer questions on personal conversations with President Trump
- Also refused to answer questions about Special Counsel's investigation
- Republicans at hearing said it had little to do with actual oversight
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In what are likely his final days as the country’s chief law enforcement officer, Whitaker refused to answer a series of questions about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe and his personal conversations with the Commander-in-Chief.
"I cannot talk about ongoing investigations, I have nothing more to say," Whitaker said multiple times in response to questions from the committee.
“I do not intend today to talk about my private conversations with the President of the United States," he said in response to more questions.
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-Florida), a freshman member of the high profile committee, was not pleased the acting attorney general didn't answer questions from her fellow committee members.
"I find it really interesting that he is avoiding to answer any questions and it's very important to learn the truth," she said in an interview with Spectrum News.
"We owe it to the American people, we have a constitutional duty of oversight. He had all the questions beforehand," Mucarsel-Powell added.
Hearing at times tense
Whitaker wasn’t going to show up after Democrats approved a subpoena if he didn’t answer all their questions. However, the committee chairman dropped the threat last night.
“Now that you are here and prepared to testify, I agree there is no need for us to resort to that measure for now," said Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-New York) in his opening statement.
The hearing, at times, became a tense standoff. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) snapped at Whitaker during his testimony, telling him his "humor was not acceptable" during the proceedings.
"I believe that you have worked to make our criminal justice system, to make a mockery out of it," said Rep. Val Demings (D-Florida), the former chief of police for the Orlando Police Department.
Democrats pressed Whitaker on his oversight of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, expanding their reach with newfound authority.
“Here’s a guy who has spoken out publicly against the Mueller investigation who is now being briefed on the Mueller investigation," said Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Florida) in an interview with Spectrum News.
"Nothing more than a character assassination"
Whitaker said he has not briefed the President on the probe.
“At no time has the White House asked for, nor have I provided, any promises or commitments concerning the Special Counsel's investigation," Whitaker said in response to a question.
Republicans said Friday’s hearing has little to do with congressional oversight of the Department of Justice.
“This is nothing more than a character assassination and we’re also seeing if we can do something and get at the President while we have the chance," said Rep. Doug Collins (R-Georgia).
The Senate is expected to confirm President Trump’s Attorney General nominee William Barr next week. However, this may not be the last time Whitaker appears before the committee.
Nadler said the panel plans to bring Whitaker back for a closed-door interview in the future.