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Impeachment live updates: House Judiciary panel passes two articles of impeachment against Trump Impeachment live updates: House Judiciary panel passes two articles of impeachment against Trump
(about 1 hour later)
The House Judiciary Committee quickly approved two articles of impeachment Friday against President Trump on party-line votes accusing him of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.The House Judiciary Committee quickly approved two articles of impeachment Friday against President Trump on party-line votes accusing him of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Following the panel’s deliberations, which lasted less than 10 minutes, Trump lashed out at Democrats, saying their actions are an “embarrassment to this country.” The full House is expected to vote to impeach Trump next week, though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said there is “no chance” his chamber will vote to remove Trump from office.Following the panel’s deliberations, which lasted less than 10 minutes, Trump lashed out at Democrats, saying their actions are an “embarrassment to this country.” The full House is expected to vote to impeach Trump next week, though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said there is “no chance” his chamber will vote to remove Trump from office.
At the heart of the Democrats’ case is the allegation that Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression, to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.At the heart of the Democrats’ case is the allegation that Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression, to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.
●McConnell indicates he’ll let Trump’s lawyers dictate the impeachment trial.●McConnell indicates he’ll let Trump’s lawyers dictate the impeachment trial.
●Name-calling, insults and scandals dominate all-day impeachment proceeding.●Name-calling, insults and scandals dominate all-day impeachment proceeding.
●The latest guessing game is figuring out Pelosi’s picks to prosecute impeachment trial.●The latest guessing game is figuring out Pelosi’s picks to prosecute impeachment trial.
How impeachment works | House resolution impeaching Trump | House Intelligence Committee’s impeachment inquiry report | Key figures on the House Judiciary CommitteeHow impeachment works | House resolution impeaching Trump | House Intelligence Committee’s impeachment inquiry report | Key figures on the House Judiciary Committee
The Supreme Court announced that it will take up Trump’s broad claims of protection from investigation, raising the prospect of a landmark election-year ruling on the limits of presidential power.
A New York prosecutor and three Democratic-led congressional committees have won lower-court decisions granting them access to a broad range of Trump’s financial records relating to him personally, his family and his businesses.
Unlike other modern presidents and presidential candidates, Trump has not released his tax returns. He and his lawyers have mounted a vigorous effort to keep that information private and defeat attempts to obtain the records from financial institutions and his accounting firm.
Read more here.
Rudolph W. Giuliani, President Trump’s personal attorney who has been waging his own investigation against the Bidens in Ukraine, was spotted entering the White House shortly before the House Judiciary vote this morning.Rudolph W. Giuliani, President Trump’s personal attorney who has been waging his own investigation against the Bidens in Ukraine, was spotted entering the White House shortly before the House Judiciary vote this morning.
He also tweeted several times, deriding the impeachment inquiry and repeating his claim that he has dirt on Biden.He also tweeted several times, deriding the impeachment inquiry and repeating his claim that he has dirt on Biden.
“The American people have already made up their mind on this #ImpeachmentScam,” he tweeted. “This is a SMOKESCREEN for the Obama-Biden administration’s corruption. It will soon be proven.”“The American people have already made up their mind on this #ImpeachmentScam,” he tweeted. “This is a SMOKESCREEN for the Obama-Biden administration’s corruption. It will soon be proven.”
In a later tweet, he pushed the Republican line that Trump didn’t obstruct Congress by not allowing White House and administration officials to participate in the impeachment inquiry because the Democrats could have asked the courts to compel him.In a later tweet, he pushed the Republican line that Trump didn’t obstruct Congress by not allowing White House and administration officials to participate in the impeachment inquiry because the Democrats could have asked the courts to compel him.
“Disputes between Presidents & Congress are to be decided by the 3rd branch, the courts. NOT dictatorially by Congress,” Giuliani tweeted.“Disputes between Presidents & Congress are to be decided by the 3rd branch, the courts. NOT dictatorially by Congress,” Giuliani tweeted.
No other administration has instructed its officials to defy congressional subpoenas.No other administration has instructed its officials to defy congressional subpoenas.
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, in an interview with Washington Post Live Friday afternoon, said Trump’s behavior was an “affront to basic American values.”Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, in an interview with Washington Post Live Friday afternoon, said Trump’s behavior was an “affront to basic American values.”
“There were documented abuses of power, things we watched the president do in plain daylight,” Buttigieg told The Post’s Robert Costa. “It is tragic that unlike what we’ve seen for example in the run-up to the resignation of Nixon that the Republican Party decided to continue riding this tiger until it finally devours them.”“There were documented abuses of power, things we watched the president do in plain daylight,” Buttigieg told The Post’s Robert Costa. “It is tragic that unlike what we’ve seen for example in the run-up to the resignation of Nixon that the Republican Party decided to continue riding this tiger until it finally devours them.”
Costa asked Buttigieg about moderate Democrats who are still on the fence about next week’s vote and whether they should feel an obligation to support impeachment.Costa asked Buttigieg about moderate Democrats who are still on the fence about next week’s vote and whether they should feel an obligation to support impeachment.
“Well, they’d certainly get my vote, and I think the broader issue right now is we have to draw the line on what kind of conduct is acceptable. And I think it’s important for the future as well as for the present that we draw that line.”“Well, they’d certainly get my vote, and I think the broader issue right now is we have to draw the line on what kind of conduct is acceptable. And I think it’s important for the future as well as for the present that we draw that line.”
Rep. Susie Lee (Nev.), a moderate Democratic freshman who won last year in a district that Trump carried in 2016, announced Friday that she would vote in support of impeachment next week on the House floor.Rep. Susie Lee (Nev.), a moderate Democratic freshman who won last year in a district that Trump carried in 2016, announced Friday that she would vote in support of impeachment next week on the House floor.
“This is a grave decision that requires thorough and solemn deliberation,” Lee said in a statement. “After weighing all of the facts, I will be voting in support of impeachment of the president.”“This is a grave decision that requires thorough and solemn deliberation,” Lee said in a statement. “After weighing all of the facts, I will be voting in support of impeachment of the president.”
Lee said that it was clear to her that Trump had abused the power of his office and “blatantly obstructed” Congress.Lee said that it was clear to her that Trump had abused the power of his office and “blatantly obstructed” Congress.
“This is a solemn decision,” she said. “I end with this: democracies live and die by the integrity of our elections. We have lived in relative peace on our soil for over two centuries in the strongest democracy on earth. It is my constitutional duty to ensure that it remains that way.”“This is a solemn decision,” she said. “I end with this: democracies live and die by the integrity of our elections. We have lived in relative peace on our soil for over two centuries in the strongest democracy on earth. It is my constitutional duty to ensure that it remains that way.”
Members of the House Judiciary Committee spent barely seven minutes Friday forwarding articles of impeachment for a floor vote next week. But many of the panel’s members already had their minds on the Senate trial ahead — and the man who holds immense sway over how it will proceed: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.Members of the House Judiciary Committee spent barely seven minutes Friday forwarding articles of impeachment for a floor vote next week. But many of the panel’s members already had their minds on the Senate trial ahead — and the man who holds immense sway over how it will proceed: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
In a late Thursday interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, McConnell (R-Ky.) all but guaranteed a Trump acquittal, saying there was “zero chance” the president would be removed from office, and promised “total coordination” with the White House and Trump’s defense team.In a late Thursday interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, McConnell (R-Ky.) all but guaranteed a Trump acquittal, saying there was “zero chance” the president would be removed from office, and promised “total coordination” with the White House and Trump’s defense team.
“The case is so darn weak coming over from the House,” he said. “We all know how it’s going to end.”“The case is so darn weak coming over from the House,” he said. “We all know how it’s going to end.”
Those remarks infuriated House Democrats as they voted to advance the fourth-ever set of presidential impeachment articles toward a Senate trial where, they said, the fix appeared to be in.Those remarks infuriated House Democrats as they voted to advance the fourth-ever set of presidential impeachment articles toward a Senate trial where, they said, the fix appeared to be in.
Read more here.Read more here.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued a statement Friday noting that “[i]f articles of impeachment are sent to the Senate, every single senator will take an oath to render ‘impartial justice.’ ”Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued a statement Friday noting that “[i]f articles of impeachment are sent to the Senate, every single senator will take an oath to render ‘impartial justice.’ ”
“Making sure the Senate conducts a fair and honest trial that allows all the facts to come out is paramount,” Schumer said.“Making sure the Senate conducts a fair and honest trial that allows all the facts to come out is paramount,” Schumer said.
His statement came a day after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a Fox News interview that he is in “total coordination” with Trump’s legal team ahead of an anticipated trial and that he sees “no chance” Trump will be removed from office.His statement came a day after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a Fox News interview that he is in “total coordination” with Trump’s legal team ahead of an anticipated trial and that he sees “no chance” Trump will be removed from office.
A spokeswoman for Vice President Pence dismissed the impeachment proceedings against Trump as “a complete waste of time” hours after the House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to impeach Trump.A spokeswoman for Vice President Pence dismissed the impeachment proceedings against Trump as “a complete waste of time” hours after the House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to impeach Trump.
“Never in our country’s history has a president been treated so unfairly by a sham investigation with one-sided testimony meant to undermine the will of the American people,” said Pence press secretary Katie Waldman. “The American people have the facts, they can read the transcript, no quid pro quo, and the aide to Ukraine was released. Democrats in Congress should heed the voice of the American people and reject this partisan impeachment that has been a complete waste of time. Democrats in Congress need to get back to work for the American people!”“Never in our country’s history has a president been treated so unfairly by a sham investigation with one-sided testimony meant to undermine the will of the American people,” said Pence press secretary Katie Waldman. “The American people have the facts, they can read the transcript, no quid pro quo, and the aide to Ukraine was released. Democrats in Congress should heed the voice of the American people and reject this partisan impeachment that has been a complete waste of time. Democrats in Congress need to get back to work for the American people!”
Trump derisively referred to Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the impeachment inquiry, as “another beauty” as he sought to convince reporters Friday that Democrats have a weak case for impeachment.Trump derisively referred to Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the impeachment inquiry, as “another beauty” as he sought to convince reporters Friday that Democrats have a weak case for impeachment.
Trump did not mention Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council, by name, but he alluded to him as he argued that the rough transcript of his July call with Zelensky showed he had done nothing wrong.Trump did not mention Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council, by name, but he alluded to him as he argued that the rough transcript of his July call with Zelensky showed he had done nothing wrong.
Vindman, who was among those who listened in on the call, raised concerns about the call to an NSC lawyer, saying he did not think it was appropriate for Trump to have asked Zelensky to investigate a political rival.Vindman, who was among those who listened in on the call, raised concerns about the call to an NSC lawyer, saying he did not think it was appropriate for Trump to have asked Zelensky to investigate a political rival.
“Now, had I not had a transcript — I’m lucky we had this transcript — which by the way has now been verified by the lieutenant colonel, lieutenant colonel — okay, he’s another beauty …” Trump said, before moving on to another thought.“Now, had I not had a transcript — I’m lucky we had this transcript — which by the way has now been verified by the lieutenant colonel, lieutenant colonel — okay, he’s another beauty …” Trump said, before moving on to another thought.
Vindman, in fact, testified that he suggested several edits to the call transcript, not all of which were made.Vindman, in fact, testified that he suggested several edits to the call transcript, not all of which were made.
Trump told reporters that Democrats are “trivializing impeachment” after the House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Friday morning for two articles of impeachment against him.Trump told reporters that Democrats are “trivializing impeachment” after the House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Friday morning for two articles of impeachment against him.
“It’s a very sad thing for our country, but it seems to be very good for me politically,” Trump said as reporters looked on during an Oval Office visit by Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez. “The people are absolutely disgusted. Nobody’s ever seen anything like this.”“It’s a very sad thing for our country, but it seems to be very good for me politically,” Trump said as reporters looked on during an Oval Office visit by Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez. “The people are absolutely disgusted. Nobody’s ever seen anything like this.”
Trump also ticked off several now-familiar terms he’s used to describe the process, including “witch hunt,” “hoax” and “sham.”Trump also ticked off several now-familiar terms he’s used to describe the process, including “witch hunt,” “hoax” and “sham.”
He asserted once again that the July phone call during which he pressed Zelensky to conduct investigations that could benefit him politically was “perfect.”He asserted once again that the July phone call during which he pressed Zelensky to conduct investigations that could benefit him politically was “perfect.”
“To use the power of impeachment on this nonsense is an embarrassment to this country,” Trump said.“To use the power of impeachment on this nonsense is an embarrassment to this country,” Trump said.
Asked if he would prefer a long or short trial in the Senate, Trump said, “I’ll do whatever I want. Look, there is — we did nothing wrong. So I’ll do long or short.”Asked if he would prefer a long or short trial in the Senate, Trump said, “I’ll do whatever I want. Look, there is — we did nothing wrong. So I’ll do long or short.”
“I wouldn’t mind the long process, because I’d like to see the whistleblower, who’s a fraud,” he added, referring to the anonymous U.S. intelligence official whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry.“I wouldn’t mind the long process, because I’d like to see the whistleblower, who’s a fraud,” he added, referring to the anonymous U.S. intelligence official whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry.
Much of what was in the complaint has been corroborated by other U.S. officials who testified during the inquiry.Much of what was in the complaint has been corroborated by other U.S. officials who testified during the inquiry.
About 90 minutes after a House panel voted to impeach him, Trump welcomed Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez for a visit to the White House.About 90 minutes after a House panel voted to impeach him, Trump welcomed Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez for a visit to the White House.
“Lovely weather,” Trump said as he greeted Abdo Benítez in light rain. The two paused for photographs before heading to the Oval Office.“Lovely weather,” Trump said as he greeted Abdo Benítez in light rain. The two paused for photographs before heading to the Oval Office.
The House Rules Committee announced that it will meet Tuesday morning to consider the resolution impeaching Trump “for high crimes and misdemeanors.”The House Rules Committee announced that it will meet Tuesday morning to consider the resolution impeaching Trump “for high crimes and misdemeanors.”
That panel’s action would clear the way for a vote by the full House, expected Wednesday.That panel’s action would clear the way for a vote by the full House, expected Wednesday.
Brad Parscale, Trump’s reelection campaign manager, dismissed the House Judiciary Committee impeachment votes as “political theater.”Brad Parscale, Trump’s reelection campaign manager, dismissed the House Judiciary Committee impeachment votes as “political theater.”
“The baseless, sham impeachment is just out-of-control politics and the American people are rejecting it,” Parscale said in a statement.“The baseless, sham impeachment is just out-of-control politics and the American people are rejecting it,” Parscale said in a statement.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham issued a statement saying Trump is looking forward to a trial in the Republican-led Senate.White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham issued a statement saying Trump is looking forward to a trial in the Republican-led Senate.
“This desperate charade of an impeachment inquiry in the House Judiciary Committee has reached its shameful end,” Grisham said. “The President looks forward to receiving in the Senate the fair treatment and due process which continues to be disgracefully denied to him by the House.”“This desperate charade of an impeachment inquiry in the House Judiciary Committee has reached its shameful end,” Grisham said. “The President looks forward to receiving in the Senate the fair treatment and due process which continues to be disgracefully denied to him by the House.”
Trump declined an invitation to have his lawyers participate in the impeachment inquiry by the Democratic-led House.Trump declined an invitation to have his lawyers participate in the impeachment inquiry by the Democratic-led House.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) made brief remarks after the vote, calling it a “solemn and sad day.”House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) made brief remarks after the vote, calling it a “solemn and sad day.”
“For the third time in a little over a century and a half, the House Judiciary Committee has voted articles of impeachment against the president for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The House will act expeditiously,” Nadler told reporters.“For the third time in a little over a century and a half, the House Judiciary Committee has voted articles of impeachment against the president for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The House will act expeditiously,” Nadler told reporters.
He walked away without taking any questions.He walked away without taking any questions.
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) struck a similar chord in a statement.House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) struck a similar chord in a statement.
“This is a solemn and somber day for our country,” Hoyer said.“This is a solemn and somber day for our country,” Hoyer said.
“Next week, these two articles of impeachment — on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — will come to the House Floor for consideration,” he added. “The representatives of the American people will then vote on whether to send this case against the President to the Senate for trial.”“Next week, these two articles of impeachment — on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — will come to the House Floor for consideration,” he added. “The representatives of the American people will then vote on whether to send this case against the President to the Senate for trial.”
Republican House leaders were quick to condemn the House Judiciary Committee vote along party lines.Republican House leaders were quick to condemn the House Judiciary Committee vote along party lines.
Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) “just jammed through impeachment in the Judiciary Committee without a single Republican vote,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said in a tweet. “This sham is nothing more than a political hit-job against the President.”Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) “just jammed through impeachment in the Judiciary Committee without a single Republican vote,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said in a tweet. “This sham is nothing more than a political hit-job against the President.”
Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, accused Democrats of “an abuse of power.”Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, accused Democrats of “an abuse of power.”
“Democrats are attempting to knee-cap our democracy,” Collins said in a statement. “They’re telling millions of voters that Democrats will work to overturn the will of the people whenever it conflicts with the will of liberal elites.”“Democrats are attempting to knee-cap our democracy,” Collins said in a statement. “They’re telling millions of voters that Democrats will work to overturn the will of the people whenever it conflicts with the will of liberal elites.”
It took less than 10 minutes for the House Judiciary Committee to make history.It took less than 10 minutes for the House Judiciary Committee to make history.
Unlike the rancor and emotion of the previous two days, the vote to impeach the president was formal and businesslike. Republicans offered curt “nos.” Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) cast her votes with her son sitting on her lap.Unlike the rancor and emotion of the previous two days, the vote to impeach the president was formal and businesslike. Republicans offered curt “nos.” Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) cast her votes with her son sitting on her lap.
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.) said, “My vote is no.” Then, after the Article 1 roll call, Gohmert asked the clerk to confirm he was recorded as “no,” as if there was any doubt.Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.) said, “My vote is no.” Then, after the Article 1 roll call, Gohmert asked the clerk to confirm he was recorded as “no,” as if there was any doubt.
When Democrats voted “aye” or “yes,” they did so without joy or fanfare. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) held up a pocket-size copy of the Constitution while she voted. When Democrats voted “aye” or “yes,” they did so without joy or fanfare. When Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) voted to impeach Trump she held up a pocket-size copy of the Constitution.
After two votes in short order, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has gaveled the proceedings closed. A full House vote is expected next week.After two votes in short order, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has gaveled the proceedings closed. A full House vote is expected next week.
The House Judiciary Committee approved a second article of impeachment against Trump, charging him with “obstruction of Congress” for response to the impeachment inquiry.The House Judiciary Committee approved a second article of impeachment against Trump, charging him with “obstruction of Congress” for response to the impeachment inquiry.
The article, which was approved along party lines, 23 to 17, accused the president of using the powers of his office to direct “the unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives pursuant to its ‘sole Power of Impeachment.’ ”The article, which was approved along party lines, 23 to 17, accused the president of using the powers of his office to direct “the unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives pursuant to its ‘sole Power of Impeachment.’ ”
The full House is expected to vote on both articles of impeachment next week. If passed, a trial in the Senate would begin in early January.The full House is expected to vote on both articles of impeachment next week. If passed, a trial in the Senate would begin in early January.
Congress has impeached only two presidents: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before the House could vote on articles of impeachment in the Watergate scandal. Lawmakers drafted three articles against Nixon, including charges of “high crimes and misdemeanors” that mirror the abuse-of-power and obstruction allegations Trump now faces.Congress has impeached only two presidents: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before the House could vote on articles of impeachment in the Watergate scandal. Lawmakers drafted three articles against Nixon, including charges of “high crimes and misdemeanors” that mirror the abuse-of-power and obstruction allegations Trump now faces.
The House Judiciary Committee approved a first article of impeachment against Trump, charging him with “abuse of power” for his conduct toward Ukraine.The House Judiciary Committee approved a first article of impeachment against Trump, charging him with “abuse of power” for his conduct toward Ukraine.
The article, which was approved along party lines, 23 to 17, accuses the president of using the powers of his office to solicit “the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election.”The article, which was approved along party lines, 23 to 17, accuses the president of using the powers of his office to solicit “the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election.”
The committee is expected to vote shortly on a second article accusing Trump of “obstruction of Congress.”The committee is expected to vote shortly on a second article accusing Trump of “obstruction of Congress.”
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has gaveled the proceedings to order and the panel is resuming deliberations over two articles of impeachment against Trump.House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has gaveled the proceedings to order and the panel is resuming deliberations over two articles of impeachment against Trump.
Shortly before the impeachment votes, Trump spokeswoman Pam Bondi said that the White House been working “hand in hand” with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to prepare for an expected Senate trial.Shortly before the impeachment votes, Trump spokeswoman Pam Bondi said that the White House been working “hand in hand” with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to prepare for an expected Senate trial.
“We have been in very close contact with Leader McConnell and all of Republican leadership in the Senate. We are all united. We are on the same side,” Bondi, a former Florida state attorney general said during an appearance on Fox News. “We’re working hand in hand, and we will be well prepared if and when this gets to the Senate.”“We have been in very close contact with Leader McConnell and all of Republican leadership in the Senate. We are all united. We are on the same side,” Bondi, a former Florida state attorney general said during an appearance on Fox News. “We’re working hand in hand, and we will be well prepared if and when this gets to the Senate.”
Bondi said reports that White House counsel White House counsel Pat Cipollone will take the lead in defending Trump before the Senate are premature.Bondi said reports that White House counsel White House counsel Pat Cipollone will take the lead in defending Trump before the Senate are premature.
“No decisions have been made,” Bondi said, adding that she considers Cipollone to be “a genius.”“No decisions have been made,” Bondi said, adding that she considers Cipollone to be “a genius.”
Trump returned to Twitter a little more than an hour before the Judiciary Committee was scheduled to reconvene to make the case that he doesn’t deserve impeachment.Trump returned to Twitter a little more than an hour before the Judiciary Committee was scheduled to reconvene to make the case that he doesn’t deserve impeachment.
Among his now-familiar claims: There was nothing wrong with the July call in which he pressed Zelensky for investigations that could benefit him politically.Among his now-familiar claims: There was nothing wrong with the July call in which he pressed Zelensky for investigations that could benefit him politically.
“How do you get Impeached when you have done NOTHING wrong (a perfect call), have created the best economy in the history of our Country, rebuilt our Military, fixed the V.A. (Choice!), cut Taxes & Regs, protected your 2nd A, created Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and soooo much more? Crazy!” Trump tweeted.“How do you get Impeached when you have done NOTHING wrong (a perfect call), have created the best economy in the history of our Country, rebuilt our Military, fixed the V.A. (Choice!), cut Taxes & Regs, protected your 2nd A, created Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and soooo much more? Crazy!” Trump tweeted.
Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), an outspoken member of the House Judiciary Committee, defended the decision by the panel’s chairman to put off final votes on impeachment until Friday morning.Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), an outspoken member of the House Judiciary Committee, defended the decision by the panel’s chairman to put off final votes on impeachment until Friday morning.
“The American people deserve to see it,” Deutch said during an appearance on CNN. “It ought to take place in the light of day.”“The American people deserve to see it,” Deutch said during an appearance on CNN. “It ought to take place in the light of day.”
Deutch said it was hard to understand why Republicans were so upset by the delay, since they have accused Democrats of rushing the impeachment process.Deutch said it was hard to understand why Republicans were so upset by the delay, since they have accused Democrats of rushing the impeachment process.
He said he suspects if the panel had proceeded at midnight Republicans would have asked “how we could cast a vote like that in the dead of the night.”He said he suspects if the panel had proceeded at midnight Republicans would have asked “how we could cast a vote like that in the dead of the night.”
Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, continued Friday morning to complain about the decision of Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) to delay votes on the articles of impeachment until Friday morning.Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, continued Friday morning to complain about the decision of Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) to delay votes on the articles of impeachment until Friday morning.
“They’re hijacking your weekend because they just want this to be on television,” Ainsley Earhardt, a co-host of Fox News’s “Fox & Friends” said to Collins as he appeared on the program.“They’re hijacking your weekend because they just want this to be on television,” Ainsley Earhardt, a co-host of Fox News’s “Fox & Friends” said to Collins as he appeared on the program.
“Right,” Collins replied, indicating that he and even some Democrats on the panel were caught off guard by the delay.“Right,” Collins replied, indicating that he and even some Democrats on the panel were caught off guard by the delay.
“This was simply a stunt by my chairman. It’s bush league,” Collins said. “Normally, the chairman and the ranking member at least talk about scheduling issues. We can disagree about the color of the sun but we always talk about scheduling.”“This was simply a stunt by my chairman. It’s bush league,” Collins said. “Normally, the chairman and the ranking member at least talk about scheduling issues. We can disagree about the color of the sun but we always talk about scheduling.”
The Judiciary Committee is scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. on Friday to vote on two articles of impeachment against Trump alleging abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.The Judiciary Committee is scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. on Friday to vote on two articles of impeachment against Trump alleging abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
The committee had planned to vote on Thursday night, but after more than 14 hours of debate, Democrats made an abrupt decision before midnight to hold off on the history-making vote until the light of day.The committee had planned to vote on Thursday night, but after more than 14 hours of debate, Democrats made an abrupt decision before midnight to hold off on the history-making vote until the light of day.
Thursday’s all-day debate ended as it began, with angry exchanges, personal insults and recycled arguments about process and propriety as the committee moved toward voting to impeach Trump for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”Thursday’s all-day debate ended as it began, with angry exchanges, personal insults and recycled arguments about process and propriety as the committee moved toward voting to impeach Trump for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Congress has impeached only two presidents: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before the House could vote on articles of impeachment in the Watergate scandal. Lawmakers drafted three articles against Nixon, including charges of “high crimes and misdemeanors” that mirror the abuse-of-power and obstruction allegations Trump now faces.Congress has impeached only two presidents: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before the House could vote on articles of impeachment in the Watergate scandal. Lawmakers drafted three articles against Nixon, including charges of “high crimes and misdemeanors” that mirror the abuse-of-power and obstruction allegations Trump now faces.
In a burst of early morning tweets, Trump praised the performance of Republicans who defended him during Thursday’s marathon meeting of the House Judiciary Committee, calling them “warriors.”In a burst of early morning tweets, Trump praised the performance of Republicans who defended him during Thursday’s marathon meeting of the House Judiciary Committee, calling them “warriors.”
“The Republicans House members were fantastic yesterday,” he tweeted. “It always helps to have a much better case, in fact the Dems have no case at all, but the unity & sheer brilliance of these Republican warriors, all of them, was a beautiful sight to see. Dems had no answers and wanted out!”“The Republicans House members were fantastic yesterday,” he tweeted. “It always helps to have a much better case, in fact the Dems have no case at all, but the unity & sheer brilliance of these Republican warriors, all of them, was a beautiful sight to see. Dems had no answers and wanted out!”
In another tweet, Trump claimed that poll numbers “have gone through the roof in favor of No Impeachment especially with Swing States and Independents in Swing States.”In another tweet, Trump claimed that poll numbers “have gone through the roof in favor of No Impeachment especially with Swing States and Independents in Swing States.”
It was not clear what polls Trump was citing. Two national polls released this week showed a bare majority opposed to ousting Trump from office.It was not clear what polls Trump was citing. Two national polls released this week showed a bare majority opposed to ousting Trump from office.
Forty-five percent of Americans say that Trump should be impeached and removed from office, while 50 percent disagree, according to a Monmouth University poll.Forty-five percent of Americans say that Trump should be impeached and removed from office, while 50 percent disagree, according to a Monmouth University poll.
A Quinnipiac University poll showed that 45 percent of registered voters say Trump should be impeached and removed, while 51 percent say he should not be.A Quinnipiac University poll showed that 45 percent of registered voters say Trump should be impeached and removed, while 51 percent say he should not be.
Some other recent polls have shown a somewhat different picture.Some other recent polls have shown a somewhat different picture.
An Economist-YouGov poll released this week, for example, showed that 44 percent of Americans support the Senate removing Trump if he is impeached by the House, while 40 percent are opposed.An Economist-YouGov poll released this week, for example, showed that 44 percent of Americans support the Senate removing Trump if he is impeached by the House, while 40 percent are opposed.
In his tweets, Trump also repeated a claim that his job approval stands at 95 percent among fellow Republicans. That claim is not supported by any public polling.In his tweets, Trump also repeated a claim that his job approval stands at 95 percent among fellow Republicans. That claim is not supported by any public polling.
As House Republicans resume debate on his impeachment Friday morning, Trump is scheduled to host Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez at the White House.As House Republicans resume debate on his impeachment Friday morning, Trump is scheduled to host Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez at the White House.
Earlier this year, Abdo Benítez faced calls for impeachment from a group of legislators after a secret energy deal with Brazil surfaced.Earlier this year, Abdo Benítez faced calls for impeachment from a group of legislators after a secret energy deal with Brazil surfaced.
Trump is also scheduled to attend a Christmas reception Friday evening.Trump is also scheduled to attend a Christmas reception Friday evening.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), in accepting the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award on Thursday night, said Americans “need hope, in the face of all the challenges of our time.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), in accepting the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award on Thursday night, said Americans “need hope, in the face of all the challenges of our time.”
She said one of those challenges is “the assault on our Constitution” and then added, “and thank you Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler and Eliot Engel.”She said one of those challenges is “the assault on our Constitution” and then added, “and thank you Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler and Eliot Engel.”
Schiff (Calif.), Nadler (N.Y.) and Engel (N.Y.) are three committee chairmen who have been instrumental in the impeachment inquiry.Schiff (Calif.), Nadler (N.Y.) and Engel (N.Y.) are three committee chairmen who have been instrumental in the impeachment inquiry.
Earlier in her speech, Pelosi quoted the historian Arnold Toynbee.Earlier in her speech, Pelosi quoted the historian Arnold Toynbee.
“In some nations, leaders became a ‘dominant minority’ of ‘exploiters,’ focused on their own wealth and power,” Pelosi quoted Toynbee as saying. “Those competing mindsets — hopeful, exploitive — those competing mindsets and motivations create ‘schisms in the body social’ and ‘schisms in the soul’ of the body politic.”“In some nations, leaders became a ‘dominant minority’ of ‘exploiters,’ focused on their own wealth and power,” Pelosi quoted Toynbee as saying. “Those competing mindsets — hopeful, exploitive — those competing mindsets and motivations create ‘schisms in the body social’ and ‘schisms in the soul’ of the body politic.”
“Does that sound familiar?” Pelosi asked, to laughter.“Does that sound familiar?” Pelosi asked, to laughter.
McConnell said Thursday night that “there’s no chance” Trump will be removed from office after a trial in his chamber.McConnell said Thursday night that “there’s no chance” Trump will be removed from office after a trial in his chamber.
“The case is so darn weak coming over from the House,” McConnell told host Sean Hannity in a Fox News interview. “We all know how it’s going to end: There’s no chance the president’s going to be removed from office. My hope is that there won’t be a single Republican who votes for either of these articles of impeachment.”“The case is so darn weak coming over from the House,” McConnell told host Sean Hannity in a Fox News interview. “We all know how it’s going to end: There’s no chance the president’s going to be removed from office. My hope is that there won’t be a single Republican who votes for either of these articles of impeachment.”
Removal requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate.Removal requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
What we know and don’t know about how a Senate impeachment trial will workWhat we know and don’t know about how a Senate impeachment trial will work
During the interview, McConnell reiterated his intention to work closely with the White House’s legal team on the impeachment trial, pledging “total coordination.”During the interview, McConnell reiterated his intention to work closely with the White House’s legal team on the impeachment trial, pledging “total coordination.”
“There will be no difference between the president’s position and our position,” McConnell said.“There will be no difference between the president’s position and our position,” McConnell said.
When asked whether the Senate trial would involve witnesses, McConnell said, “I’m going to take my cues from the president’s lawyers.”When asked whether the Senate trial would involve witnesses, McConnell said, “I’m going to take my cues from the president’s lawyers.”
He has previously said the trial could end after opening arguments from House managers and lawyers for the president.He has previously said the trial could end after opening arguments from House managers and lawyers for the president.
“If you know you have the votes, you’ve listened to the arguments on both sides, and you believe the case is so slim, so weak that you have the votes to end it, that might be what the president’s lawyers would prefer, and you can certainly make a case for making it shorter rather than longer since it’s such a weak case,” McConnell said.“If you know you have the votes, you’ve listened to the arguments on both sides, and you believe the case is so slim, so weak that you have the votes to end it, that might be what the president’s lawyers would prefer, and you can certainly make a case for making it shorter rather than longer since it’s such a weak case,” McConnell said.
GLENS FALLS, N.Y. — When Rep. Elise Stefanik ran for reelection in 2016, observers here dubbed her “the tightrope walker” for the way she delicately tiptoed around the question of Trump.GLENS FALLS, N.Y. — When Rep. Elise Stefanik ran for reelection in 2016, observers here dubbed her “the tightrope walker” for the way she delicately tiptoed around the question of Trump.
She had once insisted he could never win the Republican nomination. When he did, she kept him at a careful distance — acknowledging, when pressed, that she supported the man at the top of her party’s ticket while generally avoiding any mention of his name.She had once insisted he could never win the Republican nomination. When he did, she kept him at a careful distance — acknowledging, when pressed, that she supported the man at the top of her party’s ticket while generally avoiding any mention of his name.
Three years later, with Trump’s presidency on the line, Stefanik (R-N.Y.) shot to his defense with all the subtlety of a human cannonball.Three years later, with Trump’s presidency on the line, Stefanik (R-N.Y.) shot to his defense with all the subtlety of a human cannonball.
Given a national platform during the impeachment hearings, the Harvard graduate leveraged her post on the House Intelligence Committee to do battle with Trump antagonists over their “crumbling” case and to present herself as “the 35-year-old Republican congresswoman standing between Democrats and our American Democracy.”Given a national platform during the impeachment hearings, the Harvard graduate leveraged her post on the House Intelligence Committee to do battle with Trump antagonists over their “crumbling” case and to present herself as “the 35-year-old Republican congresswoman standing between Democrats and our American Democracy.”
Read more here.Read more here.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released a video Friday highlighting former House Republicans who have spoken out against Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released a video Friday highlighting former House Republicans who have spoken out against Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine.
“Former Republican House members know the oaths they took,” the two-minute video says as it opens. “Why don’t today’s Republicans?’“Former Republican House members know the oaths they took,” the two-minute video says as it opens. “Why don’t today’s Republicans?’
It features news clips of Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, Joe Scarborough of Florida, David Jolly of Florida, Bob Inglis of South Carolina and Justin Amash of Michigan. (Unlike the others, Amash remains in Congress, having changed his affiliation from Republican to independent in July.)It features news clips of Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, Joe Scarborough of Florida, David Jolly of Florida, Bob Inglis of South Carolina and Justin Amash of Michigan. (Unlike the others, Amash remains in Congress, having changed his affiliation from Republican to independent in July.)
Among the clips highlighted is Inglis suggesting a double standard in Republican minds between Trump and President Barack Obama.Among the clips highlighted is Inglis suggesting a double standard in Republican minds between Trump and President Barack Obama.
“I just ask my Republican friends, if Barack Obama had done any of these things, would we have impeached him?” Inglis asks. “And the answer’s pretty clearly yes. In fact, we would have impeached him and removed him from office very quickly if he’d done any of these things. So it’s important in a republic to keep in mind that you’ve got to follow principles. … You can’t just decide that, oh no, for our team, we have a different rule.”“I just ask my Republican friends, if Barack Obama had done any of these things, would we have impeached him?” Inglis asks. “And the answer’s pretty clearly yes. In fact, we would have impeached him and removed him from office very quickly if he’d done any of these things. So it’s important in a republic to keep in mind that you’ve got to follow principles. … You can’t just decide that, oh no, for our team, we have a different rule.”
Toward the end of Thursday’s marathon debate in the House of Representatives about approving two articles of impeachment against Trump, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) lashed out against Republicans for blinding themselves in defending Trump’s conduct amid a defining moment for the country.Toward the end of Thursday’s marathon debate in the House of Representatives about approving two articles of impeachment against Trump, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) lashed out against Republicans for blinding themselves in defending Trump’s conduct amid a defining moment for the country.
“For some of our members who are defending the Constitution, it is their finest hour,” Schiff said in a Thursday interview on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” “But for others who are willfully blinding themselves to this president’s misconduct, it is the most shameful hour.”“For some of our members who are defending the Constitution, it is their finest hour,” Schiff said in a Thursday interview on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” “But for others who are willfully blinding themselves to this president’s misconduct, it is the most shameful hour.”
Then, Schiff, a frequent target of Trump’s, lowered his head and laid out what the years ahead might look like for Republicans. They are united in supporting a president who faces the prospect of the House Judiciary Committee voting Friday morning to send the two articles of impeachment against him — “abuse of power” and “obstruction of Congress” for his dealings with Ukraine — to the House floor next week.Then, Schiff, a frequent target of Trump’s, lowered his head and laid out what the years ahead might look like for Republicans. They are united in supporting a president who faces the prospect of the House Judiciary Committee voting Friday morning to send the two articles of impeachment against him — “abuse of power” and “obstruction of Congress” for his dealings with Ukraine — to the House floor next week.
Read more here.Read more here.