Jewish Democrats express support for impeachment inquiry against Trump

"President Trump's actions are not only irresponsible, but potentially illegal, and must be fully investigated by Congress," Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) said in a statement.

By OMRI NAHMIAS
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi attend the annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 15. (photo credit: REUTERS/CARLOS BARRIA)
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi attend the annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 15.
(photo credit: REUTERS/CARLOS BARRIA)
WASHINGTON – The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) expressed its support regarding a formal impeachment inquiry against US President Donald Trump, after House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Tuesday that the chamber would open up the inquiry.
The Democratic-controlled House will examine whether Trump sought Ukraine’s help to smear former vice president Joe Biden, the front-runner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
JDCA executive director Halie Soifer said in a statement that the decision by the Democratic leaders is “consistent with the US Constitution and essential for the future of our democracy.”
“[Trump] acted with impunity in flagrant disregard of the rule of law and his oath of office,” Soifer said. “He has consistently acted to further his own political and personal interests, as opposed to the best interests of our country, and he must be held accountable for potential wrongdoing. No one is above the law, including the President of the United States.”
She added that the president’s action were “not only irresponsible, but potentially illegal” and for this reason needed to be fully investigated by Congress.
“Americans deserve the truth, and Congress must follow the facts wherever they may lead,” she said. “We stand with the majority of Americans who believe it is incumbent on Congress to conduct oversight, including through a formal impeachment inquiry of President Trump. This is not a partisan decision – it’s unequivocally in the best interest of the United States.”
Matt Brooks, executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) rejected the calls for impeachment.
“Historical footnote for those who think Ukraine will bring down the President,” he tweeted on Tuesday. “[Former president Richard] Nixon fought tooth and nail through the courts not to release the tapes, because he knew they were incriminating. Trump’s willingness to release docs show they aren’t worried about the content.”
Rep. Adam Schiff, Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, went after the president Wednesday, comparing his actions to a “mafia boss.”
“There was only one message that the President of Ukraine got from that call, and that was: ‘This is what I need, I know what you need,’” Schiff said. “Like any mafia boss, the president didn’t need to say, ‘That’s a nice country you have, it’d be a shame if something happened to it.’”
Rep. Ted Deutch backed Pelosi.
“Trump asked the Ukrainian president to manufacture dirt on his political opponent,” he tweeted. “This cannot be acceptable behavior in our democracy. Seeking campaign help from a foreign government is a corrupt abuse of power and violates the president’s oath of office.”
Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer also voiced support for the move.
“The events of recent days have brought sharply into focus the question of whether the President of the United States abused the powers of his office and betrayed the public trust for personal political gain,” he said on Wednesday during a Senate speech. “We need all the facts. I strongly support Speaker Pelosi’s decision.”
Rep. Lee Zeldin, on the other hand, said that there is no evidence for wrongdoing in Trump’s actions.
“Just read [the] transcript of [the president’s] call with Ukraine[‘s] president,” he tweeted. “Absolutely ZERO grounds for impeachment, and I agree with [Trump] that US-Ukraine should investigate. This is absurd how Congressional Democrats and many in media are trying to spin this all!”


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