By In an unprecedented move, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray declined to attend a routine Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday, disrupting a tradition upheld for over 15 years. The hearing is typically an annual opportunity for agency leaders to discuss national security threats in a public forum.
The absence of these key officials was criticized by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan, who called it a “shocking departure” from long-standing practices. Peters emphasized the importance of public accountability and transparency, stating, “By not providing public testimony on their departments’ efforts to address wide-ranging national security threats, they deny the American people critical information.” The hearing serves as a platform for public scrutiny and allows lawmakers and citizens to understand the federal government’s efforts to protect the nation. The absence of both Mayorkas and Wray marks a significant deviation from this practice.
An FBI spokesperson defended Wray’s decision not to attend, citing the extensive public testimonies he has provided in other settings. The spokesperson suggested that the Senate committee might benefit more from classified discussions to address specific security concerns. The Department of Homeland Security, however, did not provide a comment or explanation for Mayorkas’s absence, leaving questions unanswered about the agency’s stance on the matter, but a DHS spokesman similarly pointed to an offer to hold a classified meeting.
The timing of the decision is particularly notable as it coincides with the transition of power to President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office in January. Both Mayorkas and Wray are nearing the likely end of their tenures, with speculation about their replacements already underway. In a now-deleted social media post, Vice President-elect JD Vance hinted that Trump has been interviewing candidates to replace Wray. Earlier this month, Trump nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the next Homeland Security Secretary, signaling potential leadership changes ahead.
The refusal to testify raises questions about the transparency and accountability of federal agencies during a critical period for national security, raising concerns from other senators on the committee
“This is Mayorkas & Wray giving the middle finger to the American people. They are REQUIRED BY LAW to testify. And now they’re saying it’s good enough to post something on a website? Both are unfit for office. The Senate should subpoena them immediately and hold them in contempt,” Missouri Senator Josh Hawley said on Twitter.
This is Mayorkas & Wray giving the middle finger to the American people. They are REQUIRED BY LAW to testify. And now they’re saying it’s good enough to post something on a website? Both are unfit for office. The Senate should subpoena them immediately and hold them in contempt https://t.co/i5hXcMxHkV
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) November 21, 2024
Rumors have been flying on social media that Secretary Mayorkas will be seeking immunity from prosecution as part of the customary resignation that cabinet officials make at the end of a presidential term.
The Secretary of Homeland Security has been one of Joe Biden’s most controversial figures. Throughout his tenure, Mayorkas has been accused of purposely creating an open border, allowing nearly ten million migrants to enter the United States. In June of 2023, he faced impeachment charges, and in July of 2024, following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Mayorkas seemed AWOL when asked about the failures of the Secret Service, especially after the agency appeared to lie about the then-presidential frontrunner’s request for added protection.
More recently, the Department of Homeland Security has been facing questions about FEMA’s response to the hurricanes that happened last month. After the agency claimed that it was running out of money, reports revealed that managers for the recovery effort encouraged their employees to skip houses devastated by the storms that had Trump signs on the front lawn.
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