Dianne Feinstein forgets that she turned down becoming Senate pro tempore: report

United States Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) appeared to forget that she has declared that she has no interest in becoming the body's president pro tempore, who presides over the Senate in the absence of the vice president and is third in line in the presidential line of succession.

Feinstein, who at eighty-nine is the oldest lawmaker in Congress, has first dibs at the role as the longest-serving Senate Democrat. She revealed to The Washington Post last month that "I've never thought about being the president pro tempore and I have no interest in it at this time."

But on Tuesday, when asked about it by Business Insider, Feinstein did not recall having already turned down the post.

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"Well, I haven't thought about it, but I'll let you know when I do," Feinstein told correspondent Bryan Metzger. "I just got back, I've had a lot of issues."

According to Metzger, an aide overheard the conversation and intervened.

Feinstein "told a few reporters in the past that she's not thought about it, and has no intention of seeking the position," the individual said.

They turned to Feinstein and informed her that "that's what you've told reporters."

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Feinstein then expressed confusion:

I don't know what you're saying.

Aide:

This is about the Senate pro tem position.

Feinstein:

Well, I haven't said anything about it, that I know of

Aide:

You were asked about it over the break, and you put out a statement saying that you had no intention of running for it

Feinstein eventually capitulated:

Okay, well then, I guess it's out.

Insider also asked Feinstein why does not want the job.

"I just lost my husband a short time ago, I'm putting my life together, and I intend to continue in this position and do as well as I possibly can," she said. "I'm just saying I haven't thought about it."

Had Republicans retaken the Senate majority, 89-year-old Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) – who fulfilled the role from January 2019 to January 2021 – would have been the frontrunner for pro tempore. Retiring Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) is the current holder of the position.

This is not the first instance where Feinstein has sparked concerns over her cognitive well-being.

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