A reporter on Tuesday exposed an alarming exchange he had with California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, as officials grow concerned over the Democratic lawmaker’s mental state to continue serving in office.
Feinstein was first elected to the Senate in 1992, chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee for six years, and served as a ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee during the Trump administration.
Last month, Feinstein told The Washington Post that she is not interested in becoming president pro tempore of the Senate: “I’ve never thought about being the president pro tempore, and I have no interest in it at this time.”
Insider reporter Bryan Metzger approached Feinstein on Tuesday to confirm the senator’s decision on the matter, but Feinstein apparently forgot about her previous statement.
“Well, I haven’t thought about it, but I’ll let you know when I do,” the California Democrat told Metzger. “I just got back, I’ve had a lot of issues.”
That’s when one of Feinstein’s aides “quickly interjected” to remind her that she previously disclosed that she was not interested in seeking the position.
“That’s what you’ve told reporters,” the aide said to Feinstein.
To which she responded, “I don’t know what you’re saying.”
The confusing back-and-forth between Feinstein and her aide went on for a little longer until she finally said, “Okay, well, then, I guess it’s out.”
This comes as Feinstein’s Senate colleagues are growing concerned over her physical and mental well-being after a series of worrying encounters with the 89-year-old.
In April, four U.S. senators who wished to remain anonymous told The San Francisco Chronicle in recent interviews that Feinstein’s memory has been “rapidly deteriorating.”
“It’s bad, and it’s getting worse,” said one Democratic senator, adding that Feinstein has difficulty keeping up with discussions.
Another lawmaker also shared their experience of having a “jarring” conversation with the 88-year-old senator.
“I have worked with her for a long time and long enough to know what she was like just a few years ago: always in command, always in charge, on top of the details, basically couldn’t resist a conversation where she was driving some bill or some idea. All of that is gone,” the anonymous senator said.
