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Impeachment live updates: House to vote Wednesday to send impeachment articles against Trump to the Senate Impeachment live updates: House to vote Wednesday to send impeachment articles against Trump to the Senate
(32 minutes later)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced that the House will vote Wednesday on a resolution appointing House impeachment managers and transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate, allowing the trial of President Trump to begin this week.Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced that the House will vote Wednesday on a resolution appointing House impeachment managers and transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate, allowing the trial of President Trump to begin this week.
In anticipation of the historic event, senators in the chamber controlled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have been maneuvering behind the scenes about whether the trial should include witnesses and who might be summoned to testify.In anticipation of the historic event, senators in the chamber controlled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have been maneuvering behind the scenes about whether the trial should include witnesses and who might be summoned to testify.
The crux 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.The crux 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.
●10 questions after Pelosi announces a Wednesday vote on transmitting the articles of impeachment.●10 questions after Pelosi announces a Wednesday vote on transmitting the articles of impeachment.
●Top Senate Republicans reject Trump’s renewed call for immediate dismissal of impeachment charges.●Top Senate Republicans reject Trump’s renewed call for immediate dismissal of impeachment charges.
●Russian spies hacked Ukrainian gas company at heart of Trump impeachment trial, company says.●Russian spies hacked Ukrainian gas company at heart of Trump impeachment trial, company says.
Which senators support removing Trump | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | House resolution impeaching Trump | Other key documentsWhich senators support removing Trump | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | House resolution impeaching Trump | Other key documents
Pelosi released a statement on reports that the Kremlin had hacked the Ukrainian energy company, Burisma, that’s at the heart of the impeachment scandal, calling them “alarming,” warning that it’s more evidence that Russia will again interfere in the 2020 elections and blaming Trump for his inaction on election security.
“The President and every Republican Senator must explain to the American people why they are refusing to defend our national security and the integrity of our elections,” Pelosi said. “We only learned of this hacking through the press. Congress must be briefed on what the Administration knows about this attack and why the President doesn’t have a plan to protect our elections.”
A spokesman for Pelosi pushed back Tuesday on an assertion by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and other Republicans that she had delayed transmitting the articles of impeachment to hurt the chances of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the Iowa caucuses.A spokesman for Pelosi pushed back Tuesday on an assertion by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and other Republicans that she had delayed transmitting the articles of impeachment to hurt the chances of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the Iowa caucuses.
Once a Senate trial begins, Sanders and three other senators seeking the Democratic presidential nomination will be stuck in Washington while others are free to be on the campaign trail ahead of the Feb. 3 caucuses. McCarthy has said it is a “dirty little secret” that the delay will benefit Biden in the first nominating contest.Once a Senate trial begins, Sanders and three other senators seeking the Democratic presidential nomination will be stuck in Washington while others are free to be on the campaign trail ahead of the Feb. 3 caucuses. McCarthy has said it is a “dirty little secret” that the delay will benefit Biden in the first nominating contest.
“Impeachment has nothing to do with politics or the presidential race,” Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said in a tweet. “As usual, the Minority Leader has no idea what he’s talking about.”“Impeachment has nothing to do with politics or the presidential race,” Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said in a tweet. “As usual, the Minority Leader has no idea what he’s talking about.”
Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said Tuesday that he expects the Senate to engage in preliminary aspects of a trial this week but that it won’t get underway in earnest until Tuesday, after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said Tuesday that he expects the Senate to engage in preliminary aspects of a trial this week but that it won’t get underway in earnest until Tuesday, after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
“I suspect that what will happen is, we’ll do the swearing in and all that ... and then probably start the trial next week, I would guess,” Thune said. “My guess is that we’ll preserve the holiday, and we’ll be back the day after.”“I suspect that what will happen is, we’ll do the swearing in and all that ... and then probably start the trial next week, I would guess,” Thune said. “My guess is that we’ll preserve the holiday, and we’ll be back the day after.”
Thune said it remains unclear whether a trial could be wrapped up by Feb. 4, when Trump is scheduled to deliver a State of the Union address in the House chamber.Thune said it remains unclear whether a trial could be wrapped up by Feb. 4, when Trump is scheduled to deliver a State of the Union address in the House chamber.
The attorney for an indicted former associate of Rudolph W. Giuliani continued a public push to have his client called as a witness in the impeachment proceedings, tweeting on Tuesday a second video montage of Lev Parnas in photos with Trump and his children set to disco classic “We Are Family.”The attorney for an indicted former associate of Rudolph W. Giuliani continued a public push to have his client called as a witness in the impeachment proceedings, tweeting on Tuesday a second video montage of Lev Parnas in photos with Trump and his children set to disco classic “We Are Family.”
Joseph A. Bondy captioned it: “Call the witnesses. Hear the sworn testimony.”Joseph A. Bondy captioned it: “Call the witnesses. Hear the sworn testimony.”
On Monday, Bondy tweeted a similar video montage of Parnas in photos with Trump and Giuliani, who serves as the president’s personal lawyer, set to MC Hammer’s “Hammer Time.”On Monday, Bondy tweeted a similar video montage of Parnas in photos with Trump and Giuliani, who serves as the president’s personal lawyer, set to MC Hammer’s “Hammer Time.”
Bondy has said Parnas, who assisted Giuliani in his quest to dig up dirt about Biden in Ukraine, is enthusiastic about cooperating with the impeachment probe.Bondy has said Parnas, who assisted Giuliani in his quest to dig up dirt about Biden in Ukraine, is enthusiastic about cooperating with the impeachment probe.
Bondy confirmed to The Post on Monday night that he recently turned over to the House Intelligence Committee contents of Parnas’s iPhone, which includes text messages with Giuliani and former congressman Pete Sessions (R-Tex.).Bondy confirmed to The Post on Monday night that he recently turned over to the House Intelligence Committee contents of Parnas’s iPhone, which includes text messages with Giuliani and former congressman Pete Sessions (R-Tex.).
Sessions has been tied to Parnas in his criminal case as the recipient of campaign funds that were allegedly filtered through Parnas and his co-defendant, Igor Fruman, for foreign donors.Sessions has been tied to Parnas in his criminal case as the recipient of campaign funds that were allegedly filtered through Parnas and his co-defendant, Igor Fruman, for foreign donors.
John Solomon, a former columnist at the Hill, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), are also part of the text exchanges Parnas delivered in response to a subpoena, Bondy confirmed.John Solomon, a former columnist at the Hill, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), are also part of the text exchanges Parnas delivered in response to a subpoena, Bondy confirmed.
The records turned over to the House had been seized by authorities in the Southern District of New York, where Parnas’s case is pending, and were given to Bondy recently as part of the pretrial discovery process. A federal judge in Manhattan recently modified a sealing order with no objection from the U.S. attorney’s office for Bondy to facilitate a delivery to Congress.The records turned over to the House had been seized by authorities in the Southern District of New York, where Parnas’s case is pending, and were given to Bondy recently as part of the pretrial discovery process. A federal judge in Manhattan recently modified a sealing order with no objection from the U.S. attorney’s office for Bondy to facilitate a delivery to Congress.
Pelosi confirmed plans for a vote Wednesday on transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate in a public statement in which she also took aim at McConnell for having backed a resolution that would allow for the dismissal of the case against Trump.Pelosi confirmed plans for a vote Wednesday on transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate in a public statement in which she also took aim at McConnell for having backed a resolution that would allow for the dismissal of the case against Trump.
In her statement, Pelosi said the House had “upheld its Constitutional duty to defend democracy For The People: passing two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.”In her statement, Pelosi said the House had “upheld its Constitutional duty to defend democracy For The People: passing two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.”
“The President and the Senators will be held accountable,” she said.“The President and the Senators will be held accountable,” she said.
Pelosi knocked McConnell for becoming a co-sponsor of a dismissal resolution, which she said is the equivalent of “a cover-up.”Pelosi knocked McConnell for becoming a co-sponsor of a dismissal resolution, which she said is the equivalent of “a cover-up.”
“The American people will fully understand the Senate’s move to begin the trial without witnesses and documents as a pure political cover-up,” she said. “Leader McConnell and the President are afraid of more facts coming to light. The American people deserve the truth, and the Constitution demands a trial.”“The American people will fully understand the Senate’s move to begin the trial without witnesses and documents as a pure political cover-up,” she said. “Leader McConnell and the President are afraid of more facts coming to light. The American people deserve the truth, and the Constitution demands a trial.”
McConnell has repeatedly said that the Trump trial should follow the rules of the trial of then-President Bill Clinton in 1999. There were no votes on allowing witnesses until after the senators had heard opening statements from House impeachment managers and lawyers for the president and had a chance to submit written questions to both sides.McConnell has repeatedly said that the Trump trial should follow the rules of the trial of then-President Bill Clinton in 1999. There were no votes on allowing witnesses until after the senators had heard opening statements from House impeachment managers and lawyers for the president and had a chance to submit written questions to both sides.
Trump plans to attend the World Economic Forum gathering next week in Davos, Switzerland, White House officials said Tuesday, although the trip remains somewhat tentative.Trump plans to attend the World Economic Forum gathering next week in Davos, Switzerland, White House officials said Tuesday, although the trip remains somewhat tentative.
Organizers of the annual economic chatfest said they expect the U.S. president to be a headline speaker on Jan. 21, the likely start date of the Senate’s impeachment trial of Trump.Organizers of the annual economic chatfest said they expect the U.S. president to be a headline speaker on Jan. 21, the likely start date of the Senate’s impeachment trial of Trump.
The Davos trip could be canceled “depending on a number of factors,” one White House official said.The Davos trip could be canceled “depending on a number of factors,” one White House official said.
Trump attended for the first time in 2018 but canceled a planned appearance last year because of the government shutdown.Trump attended for the first time in 2018 but canceled a planned appearance last year because of the government shutdown.
The WEF website includes Trump as a featured speaker for the four-day event this year.The WEF website includes Trump as a featured speaker for the four-day event this year.
Several other world leaders are expected to attend. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had planned to attend, but organizers said Tuesday that he had pulled out.Several other world leaders are expected to attend. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had planned to attend, but organizers said Tuesday that he had pulled out.
“We have to understand the cancellation from Iran Foreign Minister Zarif against the backdrop of uncertainty in the region and what is unfolding in Iran,” WEF President Borge Brende said at a news conference previewing the event, which is marking its 50th anniversary.“We have to understand the cancellation from Iran Foreign Minister Zarif against the backdrop of uncertainty in the region and what is unfolding in Iran,” WEF President Borge Brende said at a news conference previewing the event, which is marking its 50th anniversary.
The White House had previously announced that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump would attend.The White House had previously announced that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump would attend.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are hopeful they can convince enough GOP senators to vote with them on calling witnesses in the Senate trial, naming four he specifically has in mind.House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are hopeful they can convince enough GOP senators to vote with them on calling witnesses in the Senate trial, naming four he specifically has in mind.
Jeffries said he believes the Democrats already have the support of Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Mitt Romney (Utah) on witnesses, which puts them one vote short of the simple majority needed to make decisions about the trial, including whether to call witnesses.Jeffries said he believes the Democrats already have the support of Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Mitt Romney (Utah) on witnesses, which puts them one vote short of the simple majority needed to make decisions about the trial, including whether to call witnesses.
He then named Sens. Martha McSally (Ariz.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Cory Gardner (Colo.) and Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) as the ones he believes could get Democrats to the 51-vote threshold.He then named Sens. Martha McSally (Ariz.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Cory Gardner (Colo.) and Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) as the ones he believes could get Democrats to the 51-vote threshold.
“There are any number of individuals for who we hope decency will prevail,” Jeffries said.“There are any number of individuals for who we hope decency will prevail,” Jeffries said.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) continued to argue Tuesday for testimony from fact witnesses with firsthand knowledge of Trump’s conduct as well as new documents.Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) continued to argue Tuesday for testimony from fact witnesses with firsthand knowledge of Trump’s conduct as well as new documents.
“All we’re asking is for the president’s own men, his appointees, to come forward and tell their side of the story,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.“All we’re asking is for the president’s own men, his appointees, to come forward and tell their side of the story,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.
Schumer also rejected Republican claims that Democrats want to call witnesses only to further damage the president. He said that isn’t the case because the Democrats have no idea what those witnesses would say.Schumer also rejected Republican claims that Democrats want to call witnesses only to further damage the president. He said that isn’t the case because the Democrats have no idea what those witnesses would say.
Schumer has asked for four witnesses: acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, former national security adviser John Bolton, senior Mulvaney adviser Robert Blair and Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffey.Schumer has asked for four witnesses: acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, former national security adviser John Bolton, senior Mulvaney adviser Robert Blair and Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffey.
“These are the president’s top advisers. They are appointed by him, vetted by him, they work with him,” Schumer said. “We don’t know what those witnesses will say or what the documents will reveal. They could hurt the president’s case or they could help the president’s case. We don’t know, but we know one thing, we want the truth.”“These are the president’s top advisers. They are appointed by him, vetted by him, they work with him,” Schumer said. “We don’t know what those witnesses will say or what the documents will reveal. They could hurt the president’s case or they could help the president’s case. We don’t know, but we know one thing, we want the truth.”
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, confirmed to reporters Tuesday that Pelosi intends to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate “at some point tomorrow.”Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, confirmed to reporters Tuesday that Pelosi intends to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate “at some point tomorrow.”
Jeffries, speaking at a news conference, said the House impeachment managers would be named before Wednesday’s vote on the resolution that will trigger a Senate trial.Jeffries, speaking at a news conference, said the House impeachment managers would be named before Wednesday’s vote on the resolution that will trigger a Senate trial.
He said Democrats plan to remain focused on “the stunning abuse of power” by Trump.He said Democrats plan to remain focused on “the stunning abuse of power” by Trump.
“He abused his power and obstructed a constitutionally inspired impeachment inquiry,” Jeffries said. “No one is above the law. … The next step is simple: The Senate should hold a fair trial.”“He abused his power and obstructed a constitutionally inspired impeachment inquiry,” Jeffries said. “No one is above the law. … The next step is simple: The Senate should hold a fair trial.”
In response to a question, Jeffries said no decision has been made about whether the House will subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton.In response to a question, Jeffries said no decision has been made about whether the House will subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton.
Bolton, who declined to participate in the House impeachment proceedings, has since said he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial.Bolton, who declined to participate in the House impeachment proceedings, has since said he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial.
“Nothing has been ruled in, nothing has been ruled out, but at the moment the ball is in he Senate’s court,” Jeffries said.“Nothing has been ruled in, nothing has been ruled out, but at the moment the ball is in he Senate’s court,” Jeffries said.
McConnell took aim at Pelosi during remarks Tuesday on the House floor, objecting to comments she made over the weekend in which she characterized Trump as “impeached for life.”McConnell took aim at Pelosi during remarks Tuesday on the House floor, objecting to comments she made over the weekend in which she characterized Trump as “impeached for life.”
“Last weekend on television the speaker bragged that this president is impeached for life regardless of what the Senate does,” McConnell said. “Regardless of what the Senate does, as if the ultimate verdict were sort of an afterthought.”“Last weekend on television the speaker bragged that this president is impeached for life regardless of what the Senate does,” McConnell said. “Regardless of what the Senate does, as if the ultimate verdict were sort of an afterthought.”
McConnell also knocked Pelosi for having tried to steer reporters away from asking questions about impeachment at a news conference last month.McConnell also knocked Pelosi for having tried to steer reporters away from asking questions about impeachment at a news conference last month.
“For goodness’ sake, the very morning after the House’s historic vote, Speaker Pelosi literally chastised reporters for asking too many questions about impeachment. She tried to change the subject to economic policy! … Really? You impeach a president of the United States, and the very next morning, there’s nothing to see here? Does that sound like a speaker of the House who really thinks the survival of the republic is on the line?”“For goodness’ sake, the very morning after the House’s historic vote, Speaker Pelosi literally chastised reporters for asking too many questions about impeachment. She tried to change the subject to economic policy! … Really? You impeach a president of the United States, and the very next morning, there’s nothing to see here? Does that sound like a speaker of the House who really thinks the survival of the republic is on the line?”
McConnell also blasted House Democrats for presenting what he called a “half-baked” impeachment resolution and pressing the Senate to call witnesses that were not part of House proceedings.McConnell also blasted House Democrats for presenting what he called a “half-baked” impeachment resolution and pressing the Senate to call witnesses that were not part of House proceedings.
“Two things cannot be both true,” McConnell said during remarks on the Senate floor. “House Democrats’ case cannot simultaneously be so robust that it was enough to impeach in the first place but also so weak that the Senate needs to go fishing. If the existing case is so strong, there’s no need for the judge and the jury to reopen the investigation. If the existing case is weak, House Democrats should not have impeached in the first place.”“Two things cannot be both true,” McConnell said during remarks on the Senate floor. “House Democrats’ case cannot simultaneously be so robust that it was enough to impeach in the first place but also so weak that the Senate needs to go fishing. If the existing case is so strong, there’s no need for the judge and the jury to reopen the investigation. If the existing case is weak, House Democrats should not have impeached in the first place.”
Rep. Jason T. Smith (R-Mo.) said during a GOP leadership news conference that the four Democratic senators running for president should recuse themselves from participating in the trial.Rep. Jason T. Smith (R-Mo.) said during a GOP leadership news conference that the four Democratic senators running for president should recuse themselves from participating in the trial.
“I think a question that needs to be asked is, ‘Will the four candidates for office, for president of the United States, be impartial jurors?’ ” Smith, the House Republican conference secretary, said at new conference with other GOP leaders. “Four people trying to fire the president of the United States in the election process, how can they be impartial jurors sitting through that process? I hope they decide to recuse themselves. That is what’s proper, that is what is fitting.”“I think a question that needs to be asked is, ‘Will the four candidates for office, for president of the United States, be impartial jurors?’ ” Smith, the House Republican conference secretary, said at new conference with other GOP leaders. “Four people trying to fire the president of the United States in the election process, how can they be impartial jurors sitting through that process? I hope they decide to recuse themselves. That is what’s proper, that is what is fitting.”
Democrats have similar complaints about McConnell, who is working with White House counsel on the parameters of the trial and has said plainly that he isn’t impartial despite his role as juror.Democrats have similar complaints about McConnell, who is working with White House counsel on the parameters of the trial and has said plainly that he isn’t impartial despite his role as juror.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) suggested that he’s concerned about the fairness in the Democratic primary, reiterating an unfounded claim he made Sunday that Pelosi intentionally held the articles of impeachment to harm presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and boost Biden because Sanders will be stuck in Washington instead of campaigning in Iowa.House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) suggested that he’s concerned about the fairness in the Democratic primary, reiterating an unfounded claim he made Sunday that Pelosi intentionally held the articles of impeachment to harm presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and boost Biden because Sanders will be stuck in Washington instead of campaigning in Iowa.
“If there’s anyone who gained from this, it’s anyone who is running for president who is not in the U.S. Senate,” McCarthy said. “With Iowa quickly upon us, those four senators will no longer have a voice.”“If there’s anyone who gained from this, it’s anyone who is running for president who is not in the U.S. Senate,” McCarthy said. “With Iowa quickly upon us, those four senators will no longer have a voice.”
McCarthy then called on Biden to suspend campaigning during the Senate trial.McCarthy then called on Biden to suspend campaigning during the Senate trial.
Pelosi announced that the House would vote Wednesday on a measure appointing House managers and transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate, allowing a trial to begin this week.Pelosi announced that the House would vote Wednesday on a measure appointing House managers and transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate, allowing a trial to begin this week.
The speaker made the announcement during a closed-door meeting Tuesday morning of House Democrats, according to three officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of the private meeting.The speaker made the announcement during a closed-door meeting Tuesday morning of House Democrats, according to three officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of the private meeting.
The House on Dec. 18 impeached Trump on two charges — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Pelosi had held on to the charges as she sought assurances that the Senate would call witnesses, but decided late last week to transmit them without an agreement.The House on Dec. 18 impeached Trump on two charges — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Pelosi had held on to the charges as she sought assurances that the Senate would call witnesses, but decided late last week to transmit them without an agreement.
The House impeachment managers were not named during Tuesday’s meeting.The House impeachment managers were not named during Tuesday’s meeting.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) argued Tuesday that a verdict of not guilty would be a “much better outcome” for Trump in the Senate than the “outright dismissal” he has sought in recent days.Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) argued Tuesday that a verdict of not guilty would be a “much better outcome” for Trump in the Senate than the “outright dismissal” he has sought in recent days.
“We’re going to reach a verdict, and the verdict is going to be acquittal,” Cruz said during an appearance on Fox News. “That is a much better outcome for the president, to be acquitted of these charges than simply a dismissal.”“We’re going to reach a verdict, and the verdict is going to be acquittal,” Cruz said during an appearance on Fox News. “That is a much better outcome for the president, to be acquitted of these charges than simply a dismissal.”
On Monday, senior Republicans said immediate dismissal could not win approval in the chamber, where Republicans hold a 53-seat majority.On Monday, senior Republicans said immediate dismissal could not win approval in the chamber, where Republicans hold a 53-seat majority.
Trump, in a post Sunday that he also retweeted on Monday, made clear that he was still pressing for the Senate to dismiss the charges. “Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, ‘no pressure’ Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have. I agree!” he wrote.Trump, in a post Sunday that he also retweeted on Monday, made clear that he was still pressing for the Senate to dismiss the charges. “Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, ‘no pressure’ Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have. I agree!” he wrote.
White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Tuesday that the White House is “happy for anyone to come forward and testify” during a Senate trial but added that the president’s lawyers would probably invoke executive privilege to limit testimony.White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Tuesday that the White House is “happy for anyone to come forward and testify” during a Senate trial but added that the president’s lawyers would probably invoke executive privilege to limit testimony.
Trump in recent days has advocated for the “outright dismissal” of his case, a move that leading Republicans rejected Monday, signaling they want to hear arguments from House prosecutors and Trump’s legal team.Trump in recent days has advocated for the “outright dismissal” of his case, a move that leading Republicans rejected Monday, signaling they want to hear arguments from House prosecutors and Trump’s legal team.
Asked on Fox News about a number of GOP senators who have expressed interest in hearing from witnesses during the trial, Gidley said, “It’s not even over to the Senate yet, so I hate to talk about hypotheticals, but let’s be clear, the president is not afraid of a fight.”Asked on Fox News about a number of GOP senators who have expressed interest in hearing from witnesses during the trial, Gidley said, “It’s not even over to the Senate yet, so I hate to talk about hypotheticals, but let’s be clear, the president is not afraid of a fight.”
Gidley said the White House is prepared for whatever unfolds.Gidley said the White House is prepared for whatever unfolds.
“Whether this thing goes to a full trial, whether it’s modified or whether it’s just dismissed out of hand for the sham, illegitimate scam it has become, we will be ready,” he said.“Whether this thing goes to a full trial, whether it’s modified or whether it’s just dismissed out of hand for the sham, illegitimate scam it has become, we will be ready,” he said.
Asked about the prospect of former national security adviser John Bolton testifying, Gidley said, “We don’t really care who comes forward because the president has done nothing wrong.”Asked about the prospect of former national security adviser John Bolton testifying, Gidley said, “We don’t really care who comes forward because the president has done nothing wrong.”
“We’re happy for anyone to come forward and testify,” Gidley added. “There are obviously rules of executive privilege that past administrations have exerted. We will most likely do the same thing.”“We’re happy for anyone to come forward and testify,” Gidley added. “There are obviously rules of executive privilege that past administrations have exerted. We will most likely do the same thing.”
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said Tuesday that he “can’t imagine” the possibility of former national security adviser John Bolton being the only witness called during a Senate trial, suggesting that would be unfair to Trump.Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said Tuesday that he “can’t imagine” the possibility of former national security adviser John Bolton being the only witness called during a Senate trial, suggesting that would be unfair to Trump.
“I can’t imagine that scenario,” Cotton told syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt when asked if the witness list could be “Bolton and nobody else.” (Hewitt is a Washington Post opinion columnist.)“I can’t imagine that scenario,” Cotton told syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt when asked if the witness list could be “Bolton and nobody else.” (Hewitt is a Washington Post opinion columnist.)
“I can just assure you and all your listeners that it will not be a one-sided proceeding where only the Democrats have a chance to even attempt to call witnesses,” Cotton said.“I can just assure you and all your listeners that it will not be a one-sided proceeding where only the Democrats have a chance to even attempt to call witnesses,” Cotton said.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said Tuesday that he remains willing to assist Trump’s legal team in a Senate trial.Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said Tuesday that he remains willing to assist Trump’s legal team in a Senate trial.
“I’d gladly do it, but that’s a call for other people,” Jordan said during an appearance on Fox News.“I’d gladly do it, but that’s a call for other people,” Jordan said during an appearance on Fox News.
House GOP leaders in recent weeks have advocated for Trump’s most aggressive defenders in their chamber — including Jordan — to cross the Rotunda and help White House counsel Pat A. Cipollone rebut the charges against the president.House GOP leaders in recent weeks have advocated for Trump’s most aggressive defenders in their chamber — including Jordan — to cross the Rotunda and help White House counsel Pat A. Cipollone rebut the charges against the president.
But McConnell and his fellow GOP senators have expressed concerns to Trump that a House-led defense could offend Senate moderates. Trump, they argue, has already won the backing of the GOP base, so he and his team need to focus on ensuring Republican unity on an acquittal.But McConnell and his fellow GOP senators have expressed concerns to Trump that a House-led defense could offend Senate moderates. Trump, they argue, has already won the backing of the GOP base, so he and his team need to focus on ensuring Republican unity on an acquittal.
During the interview, Jordan also argued that if Democrats are successful in calling witnesses they want during a Senate trial, Republicans should call witnesses they want, including the whistleblower whose anonymous complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry.During the interview, Jordan also argued that if Democrats are successful in calling witnesses they want during a Senate trial, Republicans should call witnesses they want, including the whistleblower whose anonymous complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, on Tuesday accused McConnell of running the Senate “like it’s a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump administration.”Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, on Tuesday accused McConnell of running the Senate “like it’s a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump administration.”
His accusation referred to comments made by McConnell last month that he was working in “total coordination” with the White House on the anticipated Senate trial.His accusation referred to comments made by McConnell last month that he was working in “total coordination” with the White House on the anticipated Senate trial.
Asked during an interview on MSNBC whether he trusts the Senate trial will be fair, Jeffries said he does not.Asked during an interview on MSNBC whether he trusts the Senate trial will be fair, Jeffries said he does not.
“There’s no reason to believe that Mitch McConnell will ever change his perspective as it relates to essentially running the Senate like it’s a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump administration,” he said.“There’s no reason to believe that Mitch McConnell will ever change his perspective as it relates to essentially running the Senate like it’s a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump administration,” he said.
Jeffries also defended Pelosi for holding on to the articles of impeachment for several weeks, noting that several GOP senators have indicated in recent days that they are interested in hearing from witnesses.Jeffries also defended Pelosi for holding on to the articles of impeachment for several weeks, noting that several GOP senators have indicated in recent days that they are interested in hearing from witnesses.
“So that’s progress that hadn’t necessarily taken place,” Jeffries said.“So that’s progress that hadn’t necessarily taken place,” Jeffries said.
As the impeachment process moves forward on Capitol Hill, Trump plans to head to Wisconsin on Tuesday for a “Keep America Great” campaign rally.As the impeachment process moves forward on Capitol Hill, Trump plans to head to Wisconsin on Tuesday for a “Keep America Great” campaign rally.
In the past, he has used such rallies to air his grievances about the impeachment process and the Democrats leading it.In the past, he has used such rallies to air his grievances about the impeachment process and the Democrats leading it.
Trump carried Wisconsin by less than a percentage point against Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. The state is key to the Republican nominee’s chances next year.Trump carried Wisconsin by less than a percentage point against Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. The state is key to the Republican nominee’s chances next year.
Trump is scheduled to take the stage in Milwaukee at 7 p.m. local time, shortly before the Democratic debate in Des Moines — the last before the Iowa caucuses — gets underway.Trump is scheduled to take the stage in Milwaukee at 7 p.m. local time, shortly before the Democratic debate in Des Moines — the last before the Iowa caucuses — gets underway.
Trump has no other public events on his schedule on Tuesday.Trump has no other public events on his schedule on Tuesday.
House Democrats are scheduled to huddle behind closed doors at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to discuss strategy and the timing of the transmission to the Senate of the two articles of impeachment — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.House Democrats are scheduled to huddle behind closed doors at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to discuss strategy and the timing of the transmission to the Senate of the two articles of impeachment — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Pelosi has signaled that a vote will take place on a measure that will include the appointment of House impeachment managers by the end of this week but has not specified when it will take place.Pelosi has signaled that a vote will take place on a measure that will include the appointment of House impeachment managers by the end of this week but has not specified when it will take place.
Senators are preparing for the formal launch of the trial in coming days. McConnell has said that he wants the trial — only the third impeachment of a president in U.S. history — to follow the format used 21 years ago in the trial of President Bill Clinton.Senators are preparing for the formal launch of the trial in coming days. McConnell has said that he wants the trial — only the third impeachment of a president in U.S. history — to follow the format used 21 years ago in the trial of President Bill Clinton.
Under those rules, House impeachment managers and lawyers for Trump would first give opening statements and then senators would have an opportunity to present written questions to both sides. Only at that point would the Senate decide whether to call witnesses.Under those rules, House impeachment managers and lawyers for Trump would first give opening statements and then senators would have an opportunity to present written questions to both sides. Only at that point would the Senate decide whether to call witnesses.
Republicans are maneuvering behind the scenes about that vexing issue, after former national security adviser John Bolton said last week that he would be willing to testify if he receives a Senate subpoena.Republicans are maneuvering behind the scenes about that vexing issue, after former national security adviser John Bolton said last week that he would be willing to testify if he receives a Senate subpoena.
The House voted Dec. 18 to impeach Trump, but Pelosi has held the two articles as she sought concessions from McConnell on witnesses. He refused to budge and Pelosi relented last week.The House voted Dec. 18 to impeach Trump, but Pelosi has held the two articles as she sought concessions from McConnell on witnesses. He refused to budge and Pelosi relented last week.
In a predawn tweet Tuesday, Pelosi shared a chart that seeks to make the case for the obstruction of Congress charge against Trump by comparing how he responded to the impeachment inquiry to how President Bill Clinton responded in 1998.In a predawn tweet Tuesday, Pelosi shared a chart that seeks to make the case for the obstruction of Congress charge against Trump by comparing how he responded to the impeachment inquiry to how President Bill Clinton responded in 1998.
This is why President Trump was impeached for obstruction of Congress, and why a Senate trial with no witnesses or documents is a cover-up. #EndTheCoverUp #DefendOurDemocracy pic.twitter.com/w9Gl5VmjBuThis is why President Trump was impeached for obstruction of Congress, and why a Senate trial with no witnesses or documents is a cover-up. #EndTheCoverUp #DefendOurDemocracy pic.twitter.com/w9Gl5VmjBu
The chart, for example, says that Trump blocked 12 “key” witnesses from testifying while Clinton did not block any. It also says that Clinton produced 90,000 pages of documents relevant to his inquiry while Trump has produced none.The chart, for example, says that Trump blocked 12 “key” witnesses from testifying while Clinton did not block any. It also says that Clinton produced 90,000 pages of documents relevant to his inquiry while Trump has produced none.
“This is why President Trump was impeached for obstruction of Congress, and why a Senate trial with no witnesses or documents is a cover-up,” Pelosi said in her tweet.“This is why President Trump was impeached for obstruction of Congress, and why a Senate trial with no witnesses or documents is a cover-up,” Pelosi said in her tweet.
Trump went on Twitter after midnight as he flew back from the national college football game in New Orleans to share a clip from a television interview in which Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) disparaged Pelosi for holding on to the articles of impeachment.Trump went on Twitter after midnight as he flew back from the national college football game in New Orleans to share a clip from a television interview in which Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) disparaged Pelosi for holding on to the articles of impeachment.
“Clearly, what’s Pelosi’s done is just a circus,” Scott said during a clip of an appearance on CNBC on Monday. “It’s a sham. I mean, she said it was so important to get it done back in December, didn’t have time to have witnesses come, and now she wants to tell us how to do the trial in the Senate. … We’re playing this game that Pelosi has. She just hates Trump.”“Clearly, what’s Pelosi’s done is just a circus,” Scott said during a clip of an appearance on CNBC on Monday. “It’s a sham. I mean, she said it was so important to get it done back in December, didn’t have time to have witnesses come, and now she wants to tell us how to do the trial in the Senate. … We’re playing this game that Pelosi has. She just hates Trump.”
In his own words, Trump added: “Thank you to Rick Scott. This Impeachment Hoax is an outrage!”In his own words, Trump added: “Thank you to Rick Scott. This Impeachment Hoax is an outrage!”
NEW DELHI — Indian and U.S. officials are discussing a potential visit by Trump to New Delhi as early as next month, two people with knowledge of the talks said.NEW DELHI — Indian and U.S. officials are discussing a potential visit by Trump to New Delhi as early as next month, two people with knowledge of the talks said.
They emphasized that the talks were preliminary and subject to change, particularly in light of the impeachment process in the United States. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.They emphasized that the talks were preliminary and subject to change, particularly in light of the impeachment process in the United States. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.
If finalized, the visit would be Trump’s first to India as president. The United States has sought to cultivate India as a partner and potential counterweight to China, and Trump has spoken of his “great admiration” for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.If finalized, the visit would be Trump’s first to India as president. The United States has sought to cultivate India as a partner and potential counterweight to China, and Trump has spoken of his “great admiration” for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In September, the two men appeared together, clasping hands and smiling, at a rally Modi held for Indian Americans in Houston.In September, the two men appeared together, clasping hands and smiling, at a rally Modi held for Indian Americans in Houston.
Read more here.Read more here.