CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin says he told President-elect Donald Trump this week that he’ll be an “honest broker” during his administration.
Manchin, during an appearance Thursday on MetroNews “Talkline” discussed his meeting with Trump when Manchin was being considered for the energy secretary nomination. Manchin said he and Trump agreed Manchin could help the country and the Mountain State more if he stayed in the Senate. Manchin said he’ll be a straight shooter with the incoming president.
“I’ll tell you what I think that we (Senate Democrats) can do to get folks to help you. I’ll tell you what changes you might have to make to make something happen and I’ll tell you when we have to respectfully disagree,” Manchin said.
Manchin, a Democrat, said he believes Trump is reaching across the aisle because he wants to get things done. Manchin said he’s willing to give Trump’s nominees to various cabinet positions the benefit of the doubt.
“You have to give every executive a chance to put their team together,” Manchin said. “I’m going to be as helpful and cooperative as I can unless there’s something egregious or something that comes out that’s absolutely damaging to that person that might affect their performance or their job.”
Manchin said Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, Trump’s nominee for EPA administrator, might be “a breath of fresh air.” On former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as energy security, Manchin said, “Rick has all the credentials in the world. He’ll be able to get the job done.”
Manchin said he feels honored for have gone through the process of being considered for a cabinet position. He said in the end that should help West Virginia.
“He (Trump) and I have developed a good rapport and I think we’re starting to develop a friendship where we can talk honestly and openly and try to help each other,” Manchin said.