Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as a top independent watchdog at the Department of Justice has refused to call the January 6 insurrection an “attack” during questioning by US senators.

Don Berthiaume, a career justice department employee who has been serving as inspector general at the agency, faced senators as part of his confirmation process to take up the role permanently on Wednesday.

Berthiaume was praised by some as a veteran of the department and not an overtly loyalist pick to serve in the role. Trump’s justice department has pursued his retribution agenda and faced criticism for a lack of independence from the president.