The U.S. Senate on Thursday abruptly canceled a hearing for President Donald Trump’s most divisive nominee to date for a senior Pentagon post, raising questions about whether the controversial retired general had enough support from lawmakers.

Anthony Tata, a retired Army brigadier general who has been an ardent defender of Trump in appearances on Fox News, would hold the most senior policy position in the Pentagon if confirmed.

Tata has falsely portrayed former President Barack Obama as a Muslim and accused him of being a “terrorist leader” working to benefit Iran, according to now-deleted Twitter posts seen by Reuters.

Just before Tata’s confirmation hearing was set to start on Thursday, the Senate Armed Services Committee’s website said it had been canceled without giving a reason.

reuters.com