(BIVN) – The United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on multiple Trump administration nominations on Tuesday, and one pick in particular faced a series of tough questions from Democrats.

Brian Allen Benczkowski, chosen to be the Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division of the Justice Department, was grilled on his recent disclosure that he previously represented Russian financial institution Alfa Bank, reported to have ties to President Vladimir Putin.

Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono also delved into the current tension between the White House and the Justice Department, in particular President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who drew Trump’s ire when he recused himself from involvement in the Justice Department investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Hirono asked Benczkowski about Trump’s critical tweets on the matter.

“Would you say that these tweets regarding Attorney General Sessions is a form of political pressure on either Jeff Session or the Department of Justice?” Hirono asked.

“I’ll say this, Senator,” Benczkowski eventually answered. “It is reasonable for someone at the Department of Justice to perceive that. I’ll also tell you that – if I’m confirmed to this job – criticism of any type is the kind of thing that will roll off my back.”