Vote NO on Trump nominees Whitaker, Rigas and Landau for Department of State

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to vote NO and reject the nominations of Whitaker, Landau and Rigas for posts in the US Department of State. While the Senate Foreign Relations Committee recently advanced their nominations: -Christopher Landau for Deputy Secretary of State, -Michael Rigas for Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources -Matthew Whitaker for Ambassador to NATO From their testimony and past actions, all these nominees raise significant red flags regarding their qualifications, commitment to robust diplomacy, and ultimately, adherence to constitutional oversight by Congress. Landau's past actions and statements suggest a disturbing disregard for the rule of law and Congressional authority. As a nominee for such a high-ranking diplomatic position, his failure to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to upholding the law and respecting the separation of powers is deeply troubling. Rigas' evasive responses is typical of the nominees of this administration, and his statements regarding the executive branch's obligation to follow Congressional spending directives are equally alarming. A Deputy Secretary managing significant State Department resources must be transparent about their intentions to faithfully execute appropriated funds as directed by the legislative branch. Last but not least, under questioning, Whitaker's lackluster defense of Ukraine during his confirmation hearing raises red flags on his ability to champion deterrence against Russian aggression, that is a core NATO priority. His adherence to the rule of law is also a red flag, owing to his ‘acting’ as Attorney General during the first Trump administration, and his active attempts to shield Donald J. Trump at that time. Furthermore, the Trump administration's abrupt dismantling of USAID and freezing of foreign aid without proper Congressional consultation is an egregious violation of constitutionally mandated oversight. Confirming these nominees would effectively endorse this alarming circumvention of the legislative branch's authority. For these reasons, I strongly urge a NO vote on the nominations of all three: Landau, Rigas, and Whitaker. Thank you.