Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) snapped at each other repeatedly Tuesday during an exchange about the Trump administration's sanctuary city policy.
Harris cut Kelly off to say the administration was forcing cities into a "Hobbesian choice" between complying with federal law or forfeiting DHS counterterrorism funds, according to the NTK Network.
"Had you not cut me off, I would have said the same thing you just said. Probably not as eloquently, but I would have said the same thing you just said," Kelly said.
Later, Kelly said he told city officials that whatever they do within the law, "we're willing to work with them. So—"
"So are you aware that there's local law enforcement—" Harris started.
"Could you at least let me finish once, before you interrupt me?" Kelly said.
"Sir, with all due respect," Harris responded.
"With all due respect, senator," Kelly said.
Harris asked Kelly if the administration was advising local enforcement leaders that they could overlook government requests on detainment to avoid liability.
"We talk to them about whatever they're comfortable with, whatever they think they can do within interpretation of their local attorneys general, as an example, or local lawyers—" Kelly said.
Harris interrupted again, and Kelly became irritated.
"So when they're instructed—" Harris started.
"Could you let me finish once, senator?" Kelly asked angrily.
"Excuse me. I'm asking the questions," Harris said.
"But I'm trying to answer the question," Kelly said.
Things got touchy enough that the next time Kelly got a question, he asked Harris to assure him he would be allowed to finish his response.
"If it's responsive to the question, of course," Harris said.