Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Donald Trump’s actions are impeachable, say US senators and House Representatives

'What we're seeing... is an obstruction of justice case unfolding in real time'

Samuel Osborne
Wednesday 17 May 2017 07:44 BST
Comments
'I hope you can let this go,' Donald Trump said to James Comey, according to his memo
'I hope you can let this go,' Donald Trump said to James Comey, according to his memo (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump may have committed an obstruction of justice by allegedly asking then-FBI Director James Comey to end an investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, members of Congress have warned.

The White House said a memo written by Mr Comey after he met with Trump in February, first published by The New York Times, was not an accurate portrayal of the conversation.

"I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go," Mr Trump said to Mr Comey, according to his memo. "He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go."

Donald Trump 'in impeachment territory', says adviser to Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton

Last week, the President fired Mr Comey, who had been leading an investigation into the Trump presidential campaign's possible collusion with Russia to influence the outcome of the election.

Mr Flynn resigned in February after disclosures that he had discussed US sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador to the United States before Mr Trump took office and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations.

Asked if Congress was nearing impeachment proceedings on CNN, Independent Senator Angus King said: "I have to say yes simply because obstruction of justice is such a serious offence.

"And I say it with sadness and reluctance."

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told CNN: "What we're seeing... is an obstruction of justice case unfolding in real time. And I'm still stunned that more of my Republican colleagues are not standing strong and speaking out."

But Republican Representative Trey Gowdy told Fox News: "We're a long ways from a conviction - the fact that we simply have a headline in The New York Times."

In a statement, Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi said: "If these reports are true, the president's brazen attempt to shut down the FBI's investigation of Michael Flynn is an assault on the rule of law that is fundamental to our democracy.

"At best, President Trump has committed a grave abuse of executive power. At worst, he has obstructed justice."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in