So how much is Hope Hicks saying before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday? Not enough, at least according to Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who told reporters Hicks has answered "some" questions but is largely claiming immunity regarding her time in the White House. NBC News quotes him as saying "the president's lawyers are directing her not to answer any questions even as we are recounting stuff she told to the special counsel. This will be the beginning of what I presume will be litigation." The AP notes Democrats expressed their displeasure during breaks taken less than an hour into the interview.
Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu, who tweeted his frustrated thoughts regarding the level of objections as the hearing progressed, emerged to expound upon that. "Even something as simple as 'where was your office located?' 'Objection.' It’s ridiculous." Rep. Karen Bass echoed that sentiment: "She's objecting to stuff that's already in the public record. It's pretty ridiculous." Republicans are framing Hicks' appearance as a waste of time. Rep. Doug Collins, the committee's top Republican, put it like so: We are "simply talking about things that are already out there in public or getting the same answers over and over." (More Hope Hicks stories.)