President Donald Trump again abused his power in weighing in on the Justice Department’s recommendation on Roger Stone’s sentencing, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday.
In using the phrase “abuse of power,” Pelosi referenced one of the charges the House used to impeach Trump over the stalled military aid package to Ukraine. The Senate acquitted him of the abuse of power charge, as well as a separate charge of obstruction of Congress.
Pelosi did not mention additional impeachment articles when asked what Congress can do to address this latest instance of Trump allegedly abusing his power.
“It should be investigated,” she said. “The leader in the Senate has called for an inspector general to look into this.”
Pelosi also noted that “public sentiment is making a judgment about this,” indicating that Trump continuing to abuse his power could damage him ahead in his reelection bid.
Pelosi also referenced Attorney General William Barr’s role in the Stone matter.
“The attorney general has stooped to such levels … what a sad disappointment to our country,” she said.
The Judiciary Committee invited Barr to testify and he accepted, with a hearing scheduled for late March. While Pelosi said she wishes he were testifying sooner, she noted she was glad he accepted the invitation so the House didn’t have to take an additional step — seemingly referring to a subpoena.
Asked why the House doesn’t move to impeach Barr, Pelosi seemed to draw a distinction between him and Trump, saying “the president gave us no choice.”
Pelosi noted that Democrats can point out the disrespect the attorney general has for the rule of law but suggested they currently are not looking to impeach him.
“He is lying to the American people … but our priorities are to do our job for the American people,” she said, referencing Democrats’ “For the People” agenda focused on matters like health care and infrastructure.
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