KOMO News | Rep. Strickland criticizes Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense as ‘irresponsible’
By: The National News Desk
WASHINGTON (TNND) — Democratic Rep. Marilyn Strickland won reelection to a U.S. House seat representing Washington.
Strickland currently serves on the Armed Services and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.
The National News Desk spoke with Strickland on the Hill this week after President-elect Donald Trump’s victory.
The congresswoman shared what her priorities are for her third term representing the 10th District.
“Regardless of who is in power, my job is to deliver for the 10th Congressional District of Washington State and the state, and because I have a history of working on bipartisan bills, whether it’s military housing, giving them a basic housing allowance for raises, supporting and expanding broadband, more mass transit, those are things that everyone benefits from. So my agenda hasn’t changed. I probably have to work harder across the aisle, but as I said, regardless of who holds the power in the White House, the House, and the Senate, my job as a member of Congress is to work in a bipartisan way when I can, to stand up for our values and continue to deliver for the 10th District,” said Strickland.
Strickland who serves on the Armed Services and Transportation and Infrastructure committees said voters shouldn’t be surprised to the news of a FOX News anchor being selected to be the next Secretary of Defense.
Trump nominated popular conservative media personality Pete Hegseth to serve in his Cabinet as the Secretary of Defense.
She said Trump’s pick was “irresponsible” and “puts our national and global security at risk.”
“You need someone who has served in the military or someone who understands what’s at stake, someone who has some expertise in armed services, in foreign affairs. I have seen nothing that indicates he has that experience,” said Strickland.
Hegseth, 44, is an Army combat veteran who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. For his service, he was decorated with two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
During the interview, the Washington state congresswoman questioned Trump’s cabinet picks.
Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003.