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.
-
'Wonder drug': the potential health benefits of creatine
The Explainer Popular fitness supplement shows promise in easing symptoms of everything from depression to menopause and could even help prevent Alzheimer's
-
What's next for Elon Musk?
Today's Big Question The world's richest man has become 'disillusioned' with politics – but returning to his tech empire presents its own challenges
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 – 30 May
Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say
Speed Read
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?
Speed Read
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port
Speed Read
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'
Speed Read