Currents News Staff
President Trump and his lawyers declined an invitation to take part in the House’s impeachment hearing this week. They say they believe the President would not get a “semblance of a fair process.”
While the impeachment process rolls on, the president is heading out of the country – putting thousands of miles between himself and his impeachment woes. He and the first lady are attending a NATO event in London this week.
But even if he was in town, the president wouldn’t participate in the House Judiciary Committee impeachment hearing Wednesday.
White House lawyer Pat Cipollone released a letter Sunday night calling the inquiry “baseless and highly partisan.”
“This is entirely consistent with a strategy that’s been pursued by the president’s lawyers through the Mueller investigation, which is promising enormous levels of cooperation, promising that the president would be actively involved and then pulling back at the last minute,” said CNN Legal Analyst Paul Callan.
The letter accuses Chairman Jerrold Nadler of “purposely” scheduling the hearing during the NATO meeting. However, Cipollone left the door open for White House participation in future hearings.
Some believe that could be a good idea. “I think that it would be to the president’s advantage to have his attorneys there, that is his right,” said Rep. Tom McClintock.
Others say that could be a risky move for the White House. “By allowing his own attorneys to participate in the proceedings, he gives the proceedings legitimacy,” said CNN Legal Analyst Paul Callan.
And one democratic presidential candidate says she’s already made up her mind. “I’ve made very clear I think this is impeachable conduct,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
President Trump is accused of abusing his power in order to get political dirt on presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.
The House Judiciary Panel is expected to have multiple public hearings, eventually considering articles of impeachment.
A House vote could come before Christmas.