One of the most stunning revelations from John Kelly’s interview with the Los Angeles Times, as he left the White House, was the open admission that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen had blatantly lied to the American people about the family separation policy at the southern border. When even Trump’s chief of staff, who isn’t above lying for partisan gain, admits that everyone was stunned by your lies, why should the country ever trust you again?
In a letter to Nielsen, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, is demanding documents and answers from Trump’s Homeland Security secretary about those lies.
‘As chairman, I intend to ensure the Committee on Homeland Security fulfills its constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of your Department, including its implementation of President Trump’s border policy. In your year-long tenure, you have testified before the Committee only once. Another appearance is overdue.
‘The Committee’s first hearing will focus on critical border security matters, to include the border wall, metering of individuals seeking asylum at ports of entry, and the treatment of children in U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) custody. As such, I request your participation.’
Kirstjen Nielson tweeted U.S. is not separating kids from their parents at the border. Stephen Miller and John Kelly said they were as part of a zero tolerance policy and deterrence on illegal immigration. Now she's supporting the policy. She should resign for incompetence alone.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) June 18, 2018
So far, the country knows of the deaths of two children in DHS custody. How many people overall have died is a mystery, however, because even Nielsen doesn’t know. In her first hearing in front of Congress, Nielsen shockingly could not answer that question.
‘Your border security presentation submitted to Congress today is yet another example of the misinformation and outright lies the Trump Administration has used to make the case for the President’s boondoggle border wall, defend the government shutdown, and distract the American people from a border policy so flawed that children have died in Department of Homeland Security custody.’
Lets Support Senator Kamala Harris in calling for the Resignation of Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielson and Chief of Staff John Kelly! They are the ones who are directly responsible… https://t.co/C1FEoaHX5B
— Anita Wills (@bwdn2008) May 28, 2018
Congress is currently deadlocked on government funding for a border wall, but Thompson says the issue has been oversimplified and that the American people deserve answers. Before anyone can even understand the situation at the southern border, which has included the deaths of children, we need an honest assessment. So far, Nielsen hasn’t offered that.
‘Squandering American taxpayer money on a wall may satisfy a segment of the President’s political supporters, but it will not solve the real border security challenges facing our Nation.’
Kirstjen Nielsen says she "will not apologize" for separating families at the border, falsely claims that it is the law and not a Trump admin policy.https://t.co/q6bUWLepTP
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 18, 2018
One of Nielsen’s spokeswomen told reporters that the DHS secretary is trying to be open and honest with Congress, a statement the American people have yet to find believable. In recent days, Nielsen has been questioned and documents have been demanded, but the Democratic-led House has yet to be shown a full picture of the story. A statement issued by that spokeswoman said that:
‘The Secretary testified before a House Committee two weeks ago on this topic where she answered dozens of questions from members. She has been meeting with House and Senate leadership where she has repeatedly sought to provide them with vital information pertaining to the humanitarian crisis on the border. We look forward to receiving the reported request and will review it.’
Dick Durbin destroys Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today. This video can't be missed: https://t.co/IXyrtjrDhy
Nielson squirms as she lies — even accusing Lindsay Graham of swearing. From Shithole to shithead —— Linzack (@Linzack) January 16, 2018
Featured image screenshot via YouTube