President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Military leaders asked about using heat ray on protesters outside White House: report Powell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could 'scar and damage' economy MORE on Friday defended his Cabinet nominees repeatedly breaking from his own policy positions during their confirmation hearings this week.

The Senate began interviewing Trump's Cabinet picks this week, often finding they disagree with their would-be boss on everything from climate change to waterboarding.

All of my Cabinet nominee are looking good and doing a great job. I want them to be themselves and express their own thoughts, not mine! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2017

Trump’s choice to lead the CIA, for example, told lawmakers Thursday he would “absolutely not” comply with orders to resume so-called enhanced interrogation tactics.

“Moreover, I can’t imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect,” Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) said in response to questions from Sen. Dianne Feinstein Dianne Emiel FeinsteinSenators offer disaster tax relief bill Democrats back away from quick reversal of Trump tax cuts Congress must save the Postal Service from collapse — our economy depends on it MORE (D-Calif.).

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Trump has previously voiced support for waterboarding, which critics say amounts to torture. The practice is currently illegal.

The president-elect’s choice for Defense secretary, meanwhile, struck a tougher tone on Russia Thursday than Trump has.

Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis called Russia the “principal threat” to U.S. security during an appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee. He added the U.S. has a “relatively short list of successes” improving ties with Russia.

The retired general also broke with Trump on NATO.

“[It is] the most successful military alliance probably in modern world history, maybe ever,” Mattis said.

Trump has previously expressed hope for warmer ties with Moscow and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The president-elect also repeatedly criticized NATO as obsolete on the campaign trail, urging it to do more in the fight against terrorism and for member countries to spend more on the alliance.