Schiff warns Trump is inviting impeachment by blocking witnesses

President Donald Trump’s effort to dam a former national security aide from testifying in Democrats’ impeachment inquiry is strengthening the case for impeachment based mostly on obstruction of Congress, Home Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) stated Monday.

Schiff additionally advised reporters that Charles Kupperman — who skipped a Monday morning deposition and is in search of a decide’s ruling on whether or not he has to testify — could also be held in contempt of Congress.

“A personal citizen can't sue the Congress to keep away from coming in when they're served a lawful subpoena,” stated Schiff, who is leading the impeachment inquiry.

However extra considerably, Schiff stated Trump’s path that Kupperman ignore Congress’ subpoena — together with different witnesses the White House has sought to block — has shaped “a very highly effective case towards the president for obstruction, an article of impeachment based mostly on obstruction.”

Schiff also argued that the president is looking for to block Kupperman because he's concerned a few high-level source corroborating damning testimony that Trump pressured Ukraine to open investigations of his political rivals — and condition army assist and a White House visit on bending the European ally to his will.

Though Kupperman is looking for a courtroom ruling on his obligation, Schiff stated he doesn’t intend to permit probably lengthy courtroom battles to sluggish Congress’ march toward articles of impeachment, which many Democrats want to see passed by the top of the yr.

“We aren't prepared to permit the White House to interact us in a prolonged recreation of rope-a-dope with the courts,” he stated.

Schiff’s feedback got here shortly after Republicans derided the impeachment inquiry as a farce constructed on hearsay.

“Every single witness who talked to the president, every and each time they’ve stated he did nothing fallacious, he’s harmless of any expenses.” Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) advised reporters. “It’s all the time individuals who talked to individuals who have talked to other individuals who assume that he may need meant this. If you get direct evidence, this president shouldn't be only harmless, however he definitely has not accomplished anything impeachable and it’s time we convey this charade to an in depth.”

Article initially revealed on POLITICO Magazine

Src: Schiff warns Trump is inviting impeachment by blocking witnesses
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