Trump's Ukraine scandal has flipped one moderate Democrat on impeachment — with more expected to follow
The scales aren't just tipped in impeachment's favor anymore.
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), a moderate freshman, announced Monday that President Trump's Ukraine dealings have convinced him to back impeachment. Phillips' announcement comes as reports indicate Trump pushed Ukraine's government to dig up dirt on the Biden family, with Phillips saying "if the reports are corroborated, we must pursue articles of impeachment."
Phillips is one of a few dozen Democrats who flipped a GOP-held seat in the 2018 midterms, and like his moderate colleagues, has been reluctant to pursue impeachment against Trump. But unlike House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the reported revelations that Trump asked Ukraine for information on Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden changed Phillips' mind. "This continues a pattern of behavior that is corrupt at best, treasonous at worst, and puts our rule of law at risk," Phillips said in a statement.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A majority of House Democrats have already indicated they support impeaching Trump, and even House Judiciary Chair Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has said he's personally for the idea. The New York Times reported earlier Monday that some moderate freshmen were considering flipping, and with Phillips being the first to go, Politico reports that more will likely follow.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'This needs to be a bigger deal'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - November 29, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 29, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK Published
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published