Republican Senator Leaves Decorated General ‘Insulted’ During Tense Hearing Exchange

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) tried to dress down retired Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner during a Senate hearing this week on President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans.

“You believe in open borders, don’t you?” Kennedy asked the Bronze Star recipient on Tuesday.

“I believe in the rule of law, sir,” replied the general.

“All right. And it makes you angry that President Trump does not believe in open borders, doesn’t it?” Kennedy pressed.

“Senator, I’m not here to discuss immigration policy. I’m here to discuss whether or not we use the military to enforce it,” replied the general.

“And it makes you angry that most Americans don’t believe in open borders doesn’t it?” Kennedy continued.

“Not in the slightest. Again, I am not here to discuss immigration policy,” replied the general.

“Yeah. Duty, honor, respect. You talked about that in your opening statement. On October 14th of this year, you went on CNN. I want to read you what you said. Make sure I’m accurate. Here’s what you said, ‘President Trump is not like any sane leader. I’m very proud of General Milley for saying that President Trump is a total fascist to Bob Woodward, if he is chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is calling the president the fastest. I’m so proud of him for breaking that barrier. The challenge is because most MAGA Republicans, they don’t understand what fascism is. The reality is that they are in fact fascist themselves.’ Did I read that accurate?” Kennedy added.

“Senator, I am happy to discuss my personal perspective with you separately at any time. That’s not the purpose of the hearing today,” shot back the general.

“Did I read that accurately?” repeated Kennedy.

“I believe so, yes,” replied the general.

“Yeah. You think you’re smarter than the American people, don’t you?” Kennedy asked.

“Absolutely not, Senator. I am here to discuss the use of the military as part of this mass deportation,” replied the general.

“You think you’re more virtuous than the American people, don’t you, general?” Kennedy pressed again.

“Senator, I am insulted by your comment,” the general hit back.

“Duty, honor, and respect. You talked about that in your opening statement, didn’t you?” Kennedy said again.

“Yes, sir,” replied the general.

“Mrs. Moran said. I wrote down her words. She said. By their actions, you know what someone’s character is like. You agree with that,” Kennedy added.

“Senator, for 35 years, I served my country with absolute honor and distinction, and I will continue to do so,” hit back the general.

Kennedy has made a name for himself with his abrasive style of questioning during hearings, often looking for a viral clip.

Watch the clip above via C-SPAN.