‘No One Is Above the Law’
On the 978th day of the Donald Trump presidency Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a formal impeachment inquiry will be conducted by the House of Representatives. There are at least 179 House Democrats who support the impeachment of this president, a number that has grown by dozens in less than 24 hours.
Citing a breach of “constitutional duties” on Constitution Day, the Speaker announced the administration has violated the law. She began:
“No one is above the law,” she said.
“I’m announcing the House of Representatives is moving forward with an official impeachment inquiry,” Pelosi said. She took no questions.
It took an egregious and obvious extortion scheme involving President Trump withholding nearly $400 million in military aid and using it in an attempt to strong-arm the president of Ukraine into digging up dirt on Trump’s top political opponent, Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter Biden.
An as-yet unnamed whistleblower, a member of the intelligence community, first brought the allegations in a complaint filed with the Director of National Intelligence. The IC’s inspector general deemed the whistleblower’s complaint “credible” and “urgent.” The Trump administration has, contrary to law, refused to hand the complaint over to Congress.
But in addition to the President’s possibly criminal and definitely impeachable actions regarding Ukraine, some reluctant House Democrats have told MSNBC that it wasn’t just Ukraine, but other actions that convinced them there is n other recourse.
Chief among them are former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski’s performance before the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month. Not only was Lewandowski – still a top Trump confidante – dismissive and disrespectful, he used a break in the hearing to tweet out a fundraising message to supporters of his possible Senate run.
The Trump administration also invoked executive privilege during Lewandowski’s testimony, which it does not have the legal right to do.
Other reason, in addition to the Ukraine scandal and the Mueller Russia investigation is the total stonewalling of several House committees. Trump administration officials also have repeatedly refused to testify.
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.