Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, also defended Krebs, calling him \"extraordinary public servant,\" saying the president fired him \"simply for telling the truth.\"

While many Republicans repeated their standard response that the president can surround himself with whoever he chooses, they gave Krebs glowing reviews, contrary to Trump's claims that he put out \"highly inaccurate\" information.

\"He's always seem very capable and knowledgeable to me,\" said Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, walked the same careful line, saying Krebs \"did an able job in a difficult and important role\" from everything he has seen.

\"PHOTO:Sen.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
PHOTO:Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) talks to reporters after the Senate voted on the budget agreement at the Capitol, Aug. 1, 2019.
>

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., gave Trump the benefit of the doubt, saying his \"interactions with Krebs have been positive ... I don't have any criticism of his work, but maybe the president knows something I don't.'

Krebs' firing comes less than a week after Trump fired Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, which the Senate's top Republican, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, notably criticized as well.

President-elect Joe Biden's team responded to Krebs' firing through a campaign spokesman. Krebs should be \"commended for his service in protecting our elections, not fired for telling the truth,\" Michael Gwin said.

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