In two days of Senate confirmation hearings, Donald Trump's national security nominees have shown they aren't afraid of disagreeing with their boss, even on matters at the heart of his campaign promises.

Trump's picks for defense secretary, secretary of state and Central Intelligence Agency chief contradicted or toned down the president-elect's rhetoric on a number of issues, starting most directly with Russia.

They acknowledged Russia's role in hacking last year's election campaign, in contrast to Trump's desire to move past the accusations and build better ties with President Vladimir Putin. They rejected torture where Trump has backed it, and they called for a stronger NATO after Trump questioned it. Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson said he wasn't opposed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, while Trump has pledged to kill it.