Jan 9, 2017

Trump's moderate for Homeland Sec.

Trump's pick for the head of Homeland Security has some notable breaks with the incoming administration. Some of Gen. John F. Kelly biggest disagreements with Trump, per the NYT:

  • He's called out Russia as a threat to United States leadership, stating that Vladimir Putin has restarted Cold War tactics in the Western Hemisphere.
  • His notably moderate approach to border security, supporting increased foreign aid to bolster education and human rights in Central America.

Why it matters: Kelly headed the United States Southern Command, which covers Central and South America and the Caribbean, so he knows his stuff about the security threats facing our southern border. As a former military man, he's got friends on both sides of the aisle, so he'll be confirmed with ease — potentially becoming a moderating voice for a vital plank of Trump's foreign policy.

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