Republicans' arguments against 2nd Trump impeachment vary
Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) drew headlines this week by calling on President Trump to resign and expressing a willingness to consider articles of impeachment, respectively, in the wake of the riot that shook the Capitol on Wednesday. But several other Republicans, both within and outside Congress, have suggested they're opposed to another Trump impeachment trial.
The general reasoning is that, after the violent scene at the Capitol, working to remove Trump less than two weeks before his term is set to end would only exacerbate tensions across the country. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), for example, both argued impeachment would hurt efforts to "unite," "heal," and "start over.""
Former Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who retired in 2019, also thinks his old colleagues should hold off, though his reasoning differed slightly. Corker said he is "anxious" to see Trump leave the White House and wants him to resign, but added he doesn't "want to ever see him come back," alluding to rumors that Trump is planning a 2024 run. By impeaching and failing to convict Trump, Corker fears, Congress may allow him to market himself as a victim, further riling up his supporters.
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.
Meanwhile, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a Trump ally, said impeachment would be "offensive" to the peaceful transition of power Trump has committed to, although critics believe that argument doesn't have much standing at this point. Tim O'Donnell
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
Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.
-
How much of a blow is ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu?
Today's Big Question Action by Hague court damages Israel's narrative that Gaza conflict is a war between 'good and evil'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
UK gynaecological care crisis: why thousands of women are left in pain
The Explainer Waiting times have tripled over the past decade thanks to lack of prioritisation or funding for women's health
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'The Hum': the real-life noise behind The Listeners
In The Spotlight Can some of us also hear the disturbing sound that plagues characters in the hit TV show – and where is it coming from?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published