Interview Recap: Sen. Tim Kaine on 'Face the Nation' with Margaret Brennan – January 19, 2025

CBS News

MARGARET BRENNAN: We now welcome Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia. Good morning and thank you for joining us.

SENATOR TIM KAINE: It's a pleasure to be here, Margaret. Thank you.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I'd like to discuss your involvement in the committees responsible for confirming some of President Trump's nominees. Senator Rubio is anticipated to be confirmed as Secretary of State very soon. Do you think he'll be in office immediately?

SEN. KAINE: Indeed, I do. He came to speak with me ahead of the hearings, performed admirably there, and I believe we will move swiftly, with strong bipartisan support on his first day.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Regarding the other nominations, Democrats have limited influence due to the Republican's 53-seat majority. You questioned Pete Hegseth intensely recently regarding his past, including an alleged scandal in Monterey, California. Why did you prioritize personal character over policy questions?

SEN. KAINE: I see Pete Hegseth as a potential risk in the role of Secretary of Defense. Historically, my Republican peers dismiss nominees due to either gross incompetence or significant character flaws. Pete Hegseth's history, including infidelity and undisclosed allegations of sexual misconduct, raises red flags. I believe these issues could influence Republican votes, either in committee or possibly in the Senate floor discussions.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The Wall Street Journal editorial board remarked on the uncertainty surrounding Hegseth's real agendas. Shouldn't we hear more about his plans, say for China?

SEN. KAINE: Certainly. And, during the hearing, we explored various elements of his positions. However, I was allocated just seven minutes. It's peculiar that the nominee didn't engage with any Democratic committee members except the chair, unlike his counterparts in other departments. My focus was to highlight what I perceive as character deficiencies, while my colleagues addressed other strategic matters.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Turning to immigration, there are reports of substantial deportations planned under President Trump. Virginia, harboring around 300,000 undocumented individuals, might be significantly impacted. Your thoughts?

SEN. KAINE: The economic sectors in Virginia such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction are very worried about the effects of extensive deportations, which could severely disrupt both state and national economies. Should these deportations coincide with potential tariffs, the economic strain would be significant. However, given President Trump's history, it's uncertain if these policies will be fully implemented.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The current administration under Biden prioritizes deporting criminals. Do you foresee a notable difference under the next administration?

SEN. KAINE: The Biden administration targeted individuals posing a real threat to public safety. There's a possibility the Trump administration might adopt a broader approach. For instance, legislation pending in the Senate could allow deportation based merely on arrests, even without convictions. Such potential policies could drastically differ from Biden's approach.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Senator Kaine, for sharing your insights today.