Retired Major General Randy Manner firmly pushed back against Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) during a heated Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday. The confrontation came as Kennedy criticized comments Manner previously made about former President Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters.
The hearing focused on Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans, but tensions flared when Kennedy shifted attention to remarks Manner made during a CNN interview on Oct. 14.
“President Trump is not like any sane leader. I’m very proud of General Milley for saying that President Trump is a total fascist,” Kennedy quoted Manner as saying. “The challenge is because most MAGA Republicans, don’t understand what fascism is. The reality is that they are, in fact, fascists themselves.”
“Did I read that accurately?” Kennedy pressed. Manner maintained composure and declined to engage directly. “Senator, I am happy to discuss my personal perspectives with you separately at any time. That’s not the purpose of the hearing today,” he responded.
Kennedy, undeterred, accused Manner of wanting “open borders,” a common Republican criticism. “It makes you angry that most Americans don’t believe in open borders, doesn’t it?” Kennedy asked. “Not in the slightest, sir,” Manner firmly replied.
The exchange escalated as Kennedy continued pressing Manner’s views, accusing him of arrogance. “You think you’re smarter than the American people, don’t you?” Kennedy challenged.
“Absolutely not, senator,” Manner replied. “I am here to discuss the use of the military as part of this mass deportation.” Kennedy went further, asking, “You think you’re more virtuous than the American people, don’t you, general?”
At that, Manner drew a line. “Senator, I am insulted by your comment,” he said, his tone resolute. “For 35 years, I served my country with absolute honor and distinction, and I will continue to do so.”
The exchange highlighted the growing political friction surrounding Trump’s immigration proposals and accusations of authoritarianism. Manner, who has been outspoken in his concerns about Trump’s leadership and the use of military force, stood by his record of service while refusing to let Kennedy’s provocations go unchallenged.
The clash underscores broader debates on Trump’s policies and the rhetoric surrounding MAGA supporters, as well as the role of military figures in political discourse.